Toni Liechty
Biographic Data
| ID | 2268850 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Toni Liechty |
| GIVEN NAMES | Toni |
| FAMILY NAME | Liechty |
| SIGNATURE | LIECHTY T |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-0191-3648 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 50 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 164 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 50 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2006 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 9 |
A longitudinal study of Covid-19 impacts on Canadian older adults’ travel experiences and perspectives
This study explores the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in travel-related perspectives and experiences among Canadian older adults. Utilising data from a longitudinal qualitative study conducted between 2020 and 2023, this study garnered depth and nuance by exploring participants’ experiences over time. The findings revealed three themes: diverse and changing reactions to travel disruption, camaraderie in sharing travel aspirations and experiences,…
Marked by the journey
Drawing on Lash's concept of aesthetic reflexivity, this study examines how travelers employ aesthetic reflexivity through tattooing to engage with their existentially transformative tourism experiences. Using informed grounded theory, we carried out thirty-one interviews with travelers who had obtained tattoos to commemorate an existentially transformative journey. Findings identify three interrelated forms of aesthetic reflexivity: (1) displayi…
Exploring tennis experiences among women in mid and later life with life course theory
Interest in sport has been increasing among older adults, but sport participation among older women remains low due to diverse factors shaped throughout their lives. To encourage greater engagement, it is necessary to understand women’s sport experiences and factors that influence their engagement. This study aims to explore tennis experiences among women in mid and later life through the lens of life course theory. Semi-structured interviews wer…
Leveraging regional Senior Games for older adults’ participation in sport and leisure-time physical activity
Preparing for and participating in regional Senior Games can motivate older adults to engage in year-round physical activity as well as community-based sport and leisure programs. This research aims to examine how regional Senior Games are being leveraged to foster participation in sport and/or leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among older adults. Fifteen interviews were conducted with key personnel involved in organizing 15 regional Senior G…
Sauna Is My Nest!’
Park and Recreational Facility Availability, Leisure-Time Physical Activity, Socioeconomic Status, and Race
Spinning Fast Without Falling
Bridging esport, sport and leisure
Understanding factors that shape leisure-based eustress experiences among older adults with chronic health conditions
Connecting Through Leisure
The Role of Facilitators in the Constraint Negotiation of Leisure-Time Physical Activity
There is substantial research on the constraint negotiation of leisure, including research on leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and some research exploring different aspects that might affect the constraint negotiation process, including self-efficacy and identity. However, despite longstanding conceptualization and theory, there is a lack of empirical research on the role of facilitators in the constraint negotiation process. The purpose of …
Identity Centrality and Leisure Behavior among Chinese Queer Individuals in the U.S
Sense of community in roller derby
Sport can provide an important vehicle for experiencing a sense of community (SOC), however, limited research has explored SOC among players within non-mainstream sport contexts, such as roller derby. This study explored roller derby skaters' experiences of SOC. Ten female roller derby players aged 25 to 57 completed photo elicitation interviews, which were analyzed thematically. Findings indicated that the accepting atmosphere and symbols enhanc…
Sport Participation for Adults Aged 50 + Years
Sport participation can play a key role in older adults’ successful aging as it provides an enjoyable opportunity for leisure-time physical activity. Research focusing on the benefits of sport participation in later life and facilitators for involvement has been increasing in the past several years. Drawing on the socioecological model, this study investigated select socioecological factors that predict older adults’ sport participation from a ho…
Community Partners' Perspectives on Partnering With an Academic Research Team to Promote Disability-inclusive Fitness Programming
Findings suggest that academic-community partnerships can be ideal for promoting inclusion for PWD and highlight insights that can be used in the development of future partnerships
Community Partners' Perspectives on Partnering With an Academic Research Team to Promote Disability-inclusive Fitness Programming
Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action - Volume 17, Number 3, Fall 2023
Exploring Roller Derby Skaters’ Progression Into the Sport
‘I want to record and share my wonderful journey’
Seeking to understand how involvement with social media influences travel experiences, the current investigation explores the reasoning and social justifications of tourists’ engagement with travel videos on the short-form video sharing platform – TikTok. Using phenomenology, data consisted of semi-structured interviews with 12 tourists who had experiences consuming, producing, and sharing travel videos on TikTok. Findings suggest that consuming …
Virtual community participation as “Sirius” Leisure
Exploring the role and meaning of leisure in healthy aging among older adults with chronic conditions
There is currently no consensus on the definition of healthy aging and healthy aging can mean different things in different contexts. Therefore, this study explored the meaning of healthy aging and leisure to generate insights about the role of leisure in the process of healthy aging among older adults with chronic conditions. Taking a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 older adults from three locations in a medium-s…
The Hogwarts Running Club and Sense of Community
Leisure-based communities often provide spaces to develop sense of community among members. With the rapid advances in technology virtual communities are on the rise, yet research on virtual communities from a leisure perspective is limited. This study utilized Netnography to explore the meanings participants in a leisure-based virtual community attribute to their experiences of community. The Hogwarts Running Club, a Facebook-based virtual commu…
We’re a Family and that Gives Me Joy”
Research suggests that leisure provides a vehicle for women to develop friendships in later life, yet little research has explored older women’s experiences of social connection in a team sport setting. This study explored the experiences of social support and friendship among older women who played softball. Focus groups were conducted with women on six softball teams associated with the North Carolina Senior Games. Focus groups were audio-recor…
Leisure innovation and the transition to retirement
Innovation theory posits that adopting new leisure activities contributes to well-being in later life. We explored the relevance of innovation theory among Canadian baby boomers transitioning to retirement. Using grounded theory and online qualitative methods, we recruited baby boomers who had recently retired or were planning to retire in the next five years. Twenty-five participants engaged in three two-week blogging sessions, followed by face-…
The ups and downs of older adults’ leisure during the pandemic
Leisure in the daily lives of older adults plays an important role in aging well. However, the practice of social distancing and stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic has severely hindered leisure involvement. We knew little about how the reduction in leisure participation during the pandemic affected older adults’ leisure lifestyles. The purpose of the study was to explore how older adults adapted in times when their leisure opportuni…
Leisure and aging in difficult times
Recent years have seen an increase in research on leisure and aging due, in part, to the aging of the population in many economically developed countries. Much of this literature has explored the r
I want to do everything!’
Innovation theory asserts that the adoption of new leisure activities in later life (leisure innovation) may facilitate healthy ageing through personal growth, interest renewal, identity reconstruction and increased sense of meaning in life. The purpose of this study was to explore innovation theory among retirement-age women. Thirteen women aged 60–70 completed in-depth interviews and focus groups. Data were analysed through open, axial and sele…
We’re a Family and that Gives Me Joy”
Research suggests that leisure provides a vehicle for women to develop friendships in later life, yet little research has explored older women’s experiences of social connection in a team sport setting. This study explored the experiences of social support and friendship among older women who played softball. Focus groups were conducted with women on six softball teams associated with the North Carolina Senior Games. Focus groups were audio-recor…
She was buried in her purple dress and her red hat and all of our members wore full ‘Red Hat Regalia’ to celebrate her life”
Physically active leisure and the transition to retirement
The purpose of this paper is to explore the everyday experiences of physically active leisure during the transition to retirement. Twenty-five adults aged 47–66 who were recently retired or nearing retirement blogged during three different two-week sessions over one year and participated in follow up focus groups. Data were analysed using initial, focused, and selective coding. Findings provided insights into participants’ experiences of physical…
Perceptions of ageing among older women softball players
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women who play competitive softball in later life to understand the meanings they attach to participation and the connections between participation and their perceptions of ageing. Data collection involved focus groups with members of six teams who played in leagues designed for women aged 55 and over or 65 and over. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematical…
Older Men's Perceptions of Leisure and Aging
As the North American population ages, detailed research will be needed to understand the leisure experiences of older adults. The purpose of this study is to explore perceptions of leisure and aging among a sample of older Canadian men. Data were collected among 15 men aged 60–70 using individual interviews and follow-up focus groups. Data were analyzed thematically and four themes emerged: the interplay between leisure and work, the desire to "…
The Hogwarts Running Club and Sense of Community
Leisure-based communities often provide spaces to develop sense of community among members. With the rapid advances in technology virtual communities are on the rise, yet research on virtual communities from a leisure perspective is limited. This study utilized Netnography to explore the meanings participants in a leisure-based virtual community attribute to their experiences of community. The Hogwarts Running Club, a Facebook-based virtual commu…
An Exploration of Older Men's Social Lives and Well-Being in the Context of a Coffee Group
The goal of this study was to better understand older men's experiences with social leisure in the form of a coffee group. Data collection included participant observation at two different coffee groups and semi-structured interviews with 14 older men who attended the groups. Data were analyzed thematically using open and axial coding (Merriam, 2009 Merriam, S. (2009). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. San Francisco, CA:…
Blogging into Retirement
Leisure scholars have argued that Internet research can be used to reach a broader audience, particularly as seniors use the Internet to have fun (e.g., playing games, sharing stories). In this paper, we explore the challenges and opportunities afforded by online qualitative data collection to study leisure among baby boomers who participated in a multi-author blog. We review insights gained regarding participants' positive and negative experienc…
Body Image and Beliefs About Appearance
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among body image, beliefs about appearance, and leisure constraints for college-age women and their mothers. The Body-Image Assessment Scale, the Beliefs About Appearance Scale, and a hierarchical leisure constraints scale were used to assess body image concerns, and leisure constraints. A convenience sample of 116 female students at a private American university and 76 of their mothers w…
Embodied Experiences of Empowerment Among Female Tackle Football Players
The purpose of this study was to explore the embodied nature of empowerment among women who play tackle football. Data collection involved semistructured interviews with 15 female football players in Western Canada. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Three themes emerged from the data suggesting that playing football was empowering as women experienced: a) feelings of strength related to the physicalit…
Older women's body image
Body-image research has focused on younger women and girls, and tended to ignore women in later life, although recent studies have called for more research into the body image of older women, particularly from a lifecourse perspective. The lifecourse perspective can address the complexity of body image by identifying personal and/or environmental factors that shape body image and the trajectories of body image across the lifecourse. Accordingly t…
Promoting Older Adults’ Physical Activity and Social Well-Being during Covid-19
Staying healthy while following social distancing protocols is of great importance to older adults due to increased risk of serious complications from COVID-19. Mild to moderate physical activity improves immune system responses to viral respiratory infections. Additionally, social engagement has cumulative health protective benefits across the lifespan. At present, active and social recreation opportunities have been drastically reduced or disba…
I’m Being told on Sunday Mornings that There’s Nothing Wrong with Me”
Research has suggested that some leisure spaces can be unwelcoming for those who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) while other leisure spaces can provide an important oasis for LGB individuals to escape homophobia and heterosexism. Leisure research, however, has yet to explore religious spaces as a context for leisure among LGB people. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of a group of lesbians who attended an LGBTQ-oriented…
Engaging with sports related serious leisure and acculturation among korean graduate students
International students in the U.S. face significant challenges through the acculturation process. Based on the serious leisure perspective, this study explored leisure behaviour and benefits related to acculturation among South Korean international students who engage in sports. Conducting focus group interviews with fifteen South Korean male graduate students, we identified four themes: (a) coping with both academic and acculturative stress, (b)…
Sense of community in roller derby
Sport can provide an important vehicle for experiencing a sense of community (SOC), however, limited research has explored SOC among players within non-mainstream sport contexts, such as roller derby. This study explored roller derby skaters' experiences of SOC. Ten female roller derby players aged 25 to 57 completed photo elicitation interviews, which were analyzed thematically. Findings indicated that the accepting atmosphere and symbols enhanc…
Exploring the role and meaning of leisure in healthy aging among older adults with chronic conditions
There is currently no consensus on the definition of healthy aging and healthy aging can mean different things in different contexts. Therefore, this study explored the meaning of healthy aging and leisure to generate insights about the role of leisure in the process of healthy aging among older adults with chronic conditions. Taking a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 older adults from three locations in a medium-s…
Leisure innovation and the transition to retirement
Innovation theory posits that adopting new leisure activities contributes to well-being in later life. We explored the relevance of innovation theory among Canadian baby boomers transitioning to retirement. Using grounded theory and online qualitative methods, we recruited baby boomers who had recently retired or were planning to retire in the next five years. Twenty-five participants engaged in three two-week blogging sessions, followed by face-…
Promoting on-going participation in group fitness among older adults
The purpose of this case study was to explore older adults’ experience of participation in a community-based group fitness program at a local recreation center that has long-term participation with many participants consistently attending for multiple years. Data were collected through individual interviews with program members (n = 23) and through participant observation. Data were analyzed thematically. Findings suggested that participants beca…
The Role of Facilitators in the Constraint Negotiation of Leisure-Time Physical Activity
There is substantial research on the constraint negotiation of leisure, including research on leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and some research exploring different aspects that might affect the constraint negotiation process, including self-efficacy and identity. However, despite longstanding conceptualization and theory, there is a lack of empirical research on the role of facilitators in the constraint negotiation process. The purpose of …
The Sport Facilitators in Later Life Scale (SFLLS)
The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a newly proposed scale, the Sport Facilitators in Later Life Scale (SFLLS). Based on empirical work, the authors developed a 30-item scale to measure middle-aged and older adults’ recreational sport facilitators, including items on municipal parks- and recreation-based facilitators. Among a national sample of 1207 adults aged 50 and older, factor analysis supported a three-fa…
Exploring leisure constraints among lesbian women who attend a straight-friendly church
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of leisure constraints among lesbian women who attended a straight-friendly (LGBTQ-focused) church in Eastern Canada. Seven lesbians completed individual interviews, which were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. Findings suggested that participants identified the church as a meaningful source of leisure. However, participants also viewed ma…
Meanings of participation in a leisure arts pottery programme
Participation in creative arts programmes can have many benefits for both individuals and communities. Extant literature demonstrates that engagement in creative arts and crafts can enhance well-being, self-expression, and community involvement. Little research, however, has explored the meanings of participation in community-based leisure arts programmes in general; and there is a paucity of research investigating the meanings of participation i…
Adolescent perceptions of indirect forms of relational aggression
Different types of aggressive behavior (both physical and relational) by boys and girls have been shown to be perceived differently by observers. However, most research has focused on adult perceptions of very young children, with little research examining other ages. The aim of this study is to establish any sex differences in adolescent perceptions of indirect forms of relational aggression enacted by boys and girls. One hundred and sixty adole…
Virtual community participation as “Sirius” Leisure
Body Image and Beliefs About Appearance
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among body image, beliefs about appearance, and leisure constraints for college-age women and their mothers. The Body-Image Assessment Scale, the Beliefs About Appearance Scale, and a hierarchical leisure constraints scale were used to assess body image concerns, and leisure constraints. A convenience sample of 116 female students at a private American university and 76 of their mothers w…
Adolescent perceptions of indirect forms of relational aggression
Different types of aggressive behavior (both physical and relational) by boys and girls have been shown to be perceived differently by observers. However, most research has focused on adult perceptions of very young children, with little research examining other ages. The aim of this study is to establish any sex differences in adolescent perceptions of indirect forms of relational aggression enacted by boys and girls. One hundred and sixty adole…
She was buried in her purple dress and her red hat and all of our members wore full ‘Red Hat Regalia’ to celebrate her life”
Older women's body image
Body-image research has focused on younger women and girls, and tended to ignore women in later life, although recent studies have called for more research into the body image of older women, particularly from a lifecourse perspective. The lifecourse perspective can address the complexity of body image by identifying personal and/or environmental factors that shape body image and the trajectories of body image across the lifecourse. Accordingly t…
“Yes, I worry about my weight … but for the most part I'm content with my body”
The majority of body image research has studied younger women and girls, ignoring older age groups. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore body image among retirement-age women. The sample included 13 women aged 60 to 69. Data collection occurred in two phases. Participants completed individual in-depth interviews and attended follow-up focus groups. Transcripts from both phases of data collection were analyzed thematically using the…
I want to do everything!’
Innovation theory asserts that the adoption of new leisure activities in later life (leisure innovation) may facilitate healthy ageing through personal growth, interest renewal, identity reconstruction and increased sense of meaning in life. The purpose of this study was to explore innovation theory among retirement-age women. Thirteen women aged 60–70 completed in-depth interviews and focus groups. Data were analysed through open, axial and sele…
Restrições ao Lazer Feminino
Este artigo de revisão bibliográfica propõe-se a discutir as restrições sofridas por mulheres em seus momentos de lazer, focando particularmente na experiência de lésbicas. Os autores discutem aspectos pertinentes ao tema, tais como expectativas de gênero, lazer em família, homossexualidade feminina, homofobia, interseccionalidade entre fatores de opressão social, utilização de espaços urbanos, além da própria definição do que seja lazer. A inten…
Older Men's Perceptions of Leisure and Aging
As the North American population ages, detailed research will be needed to understand the leisure experiences of older adults. The purpose of this study is to explore perceptions of leisure and aging among a sample of older Canadian men. Data were collected among 15 men aged 60–70 using individual interviews and follow-up focus groups. Data were analyzed thematically and four themes emerged: the interplay between leisure and work, the desire to "…
Canadian men's perceptions of leisure time physical activity and the ageing body
Research suggests that age and gender play important roles in motivation for and constraints to leisure time physical activity. Little research, however, has looked specifically at the perceptions and experiences of older men. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore leisure time physical activity and the ageing body from the perspectives of older men. Social cognitive theory was used to interpret the findings that emerged from constan…
‘It Doesn't Matter How Big or Small You Are…There's a Position For You’
The purpose of this study was explore the body image experiences of women who play tackle football. Data included semi-structured interviews with 15 players on a women's tackle football team in Western Canada. Data were analyzed thematically and objectification theory was used to interpret the findings. Themes that emerged included: a) improved body image through physical change, appreciation of function over appearance and shifting ideals of bea…
Blogging into Retirement
Leisure scholars have argued that Internet research can be used to reach a broader audience, particularly as seniors use the Internet to have fun (e.g., playing games, sharing stories). In this paper, we explore the challenges and opportunities afforded by online qualitative data collection to study leisure among baby boomers who participated in a multi-author blog. We review insights gained regarding participants' positive and negative experienc…
Meanings of participation in a leisure arts pottery programme
Participation in creative arts programmes can have many benefits for both individuals and communities. Extant literature demonstrates that engagement in creative arts and crafts can enhance well-being, self-expression, and community involvement. Little research, however, has explored the meanings of participation in community-based leisure arts programmes in general; and there is a paucity of research investigating the meanings of participation i…
Physically active leisure and the transition to retirement
The purpose of this paper is to explore the everyday experiences of physically active leisure during the transition to retirement. Twenty-five adults aged 47–66 who were recently retired or nearing retirement blogged during three different two-week sessions over one year and participated in follow up focus groups. Data were analysed using initial, focused, and selective coding. Findings provided insights into participants’ experiences of physical…
Perceptions of ageing among older women softball players
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women who play competitive softball in later life to understand the meanings they attach to participation and the connections between participation and their perceptions of ageing. Data collection involved focus groups with members of six teams who played in leagues designed for women aged 55 and over or 65 and over. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematical…
Women's experiences of physically active leisure during pregnancy
While leisure researchers have long examined the ways in which motherhood can affect women's physically active leisure and, in turn, their health and well-being [e.g. Cramp and Bray 2011; Miller, Yvette D., and Wendy J. Brown. 2005. "Determinants of Active Leisure for Women with Young Children – An 'Ethic of Care' Prevails." Leisure Sciences 27 (5): 405–420; Shaw, Susan M. 2008. "Family Leisure and Changing Ideologies of Parenthood." Sociology Co…
Embodied Experiences of Empowerment Among Female Tackle Football Players
The purpose of this study was to explore the embodied nature of empowerment among women who play tackle football. Data collection involved semistructured interviews with 15 female football players in Western Canada. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Three themes emerged from the data suggesting that playing football was empowering as women experienced: a) feelings of strength related to the physicalit…
Scp>Leisure,Aging and
Leisure plays an important role in the aging process. It provides a site for older adults to create meaning in life, adapt to age‐related changes, and improve or maintain physical, social, cognitive, and psychological health. Leisure has been identified as a site for reinforcing ageist stereotypes as well as a means of resistance against them. Researchers have utilized sociological theories including activity theory and continuity theory to bette…
An Exploration of Older Men's Social Lives and Well-Being in the Context of a Coffee Group
The goal of this study was to better understand older men's experiences with social leisure in the form of a coffee group. Data collection included participant observation at two different coffee groups and semi-structured interviews with 14 older men who attended the groups. Data were analyzed thematically using open and axial coding (Merriam, 2009 Merriam, S. (2009). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. San Francisco, CA:…
Engaging with sports related serious leisure and acculturation among korean graduate students
International students in the U.S. face significant challenges through the acculturation process. Based on the serious leisure perspective, this study explored leisure behaviour and benefits related to acculturation among South Korean international students who engage in sports. Conducting focus group interviews with fifteen South Korean male graduate students, we identified four themes: (a) coping with both academic and acculturative stress, (b)…
Exploring leisure constraints among lesbian women who attend a straight-friendly church
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of leisure constraints among lesbian women who attended a straight-friendly (LGBTQ-focused) church in Eastern Canada. Seven lesbians completed individual interviews, which were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. Findings suggested that participants identified the church as a meaningful source of leisure. However, participants also viewed ma…
Roots and wings’
Play is an important part of life, not only during childhood but also into adulthood and later life. While scholars have emphasized the physical, social, psychological, and cognitive benefits of play for children, few researchers have explored the role of play in later life. One context in which aging adults find opportunities to play is with their grandchildren. This qualitative study employed visual and text analyses to explore the experience o…
I’m Being told on Sunday Mornings that There’s Nothing Wrong with Me”
Research has suggested that some leisure spaces can be unwelcoming for those who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) while other leisure spaces can provide an important oasis for LGB individuals to escape homophobia and heterosexism. Leisure research, however, has yet to explore religious spaces as a context for leisure among LGB people. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of a group of lesbians who attended an LGBTQ-oriented…
The ups and downs of older adults’ leisure during the pandemic
Leisure in the daily lives of older adults plays an important role in aging well. However, the practice of social distancing and stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic has severely hindered leisure involvement. We knew little about how the reduction in leisure participation during the pandemic affected older adults’ leisure lifestyles. The purpose of the study was to explore how older adults adapted in times when their leisure opportuni…
Leisure and aging in difficult times
Recent years have seen an increase in research on leisure and aging due, in part, to the aging of the population in many economically developed countries. Much of this literature has explored the r
Promoting Older Adults’ Physical Activity and Social Well-Being during Covid-19
Staying healthy while following social distancing protocols is of great importance to older adults due to increased risk of serious complications from COVID-19. Mild to moderate physical activity improves immune system responses to viral respiratory infections. Additionally, social engagement has cumulative health protective benefits across the lifespan. At present, active and social recreation opportunities have been drastically reduced or disba…
Psychology (41 works) · Sociology (33 works) · Social Psychology (30 works) · Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management (29 works) · Social Psychology (25 works) · Medicine (24 works) · Gerontology (18 works) · Political science (15 works) · Sport and Mega-Event Impacts (13 works) · Migration, Aging, and Tourism Studies (10 works)