title: An exploration of participation in leisure activities post-stroke.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to illuminate the experiences of older adults' return to leisure activities, following rehabilitation, post-stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  A phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of re-engaging in leisure occupations post-stroke. In-depth interviews were conducted with five community-dwelling individuals (three men, two women) aged 68-74 years who had experienced a stroke in the past year. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four themes emerged: (i) Re-engaging in leisure activities, (ii) acceptance of physical limitations post-stroke, (iii) gratitude for help and support and (iv) looking forward to the future.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Implications revealed that post-stroke interventions need a more occupation-focussed approach, including return to leisure at an earlier stage of stroke rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: O'Sullivan
authors.forename: Gill
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chard
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010358:Patient Participation; D011594:Psychometrics; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013637:Tape Recording; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome