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Having less money to spend has impacted on consumers’ lifestyles and leisure habits - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3(b) - 2014
Question 3(b)
Having less money to spend has impacted on consumers’ lifestyles and leisure habits. (i) Evaluate the importance of leisure for all family members and state the imp... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Having less money to spend has impacted on consumers’ lifestyles and leisure habits - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3(b) - 2014
Step 1
Evaluate the importance of leisure for all family members and state the impact of the recession on family leisure activities.
Answer
Leisure is crucial for the overall well-being of family members. It contributes significantly to:
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Physical Well-Being: Engaging in leisure activities such as sports and fitness helps to maintain physical health, allowing family members to stay active and combat lifestyle diseases.
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Social Interaction: Leisure time promotes social bonds within the family and strengthens relationships. Shared activities, whether through family outings or social gatherings, foster supportive environments.
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Emotional and Mental Well-Being: Leisure activities allow individuals to de-stress and relax, which helps in reducing anxiety and promoting mental health. For instance, hobbies or outdoor activities contribute to a sense of fulfillment and happiness.
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Development of Skills: Leisure activities can help in the development of personal skills. For example, pursuing hobbies like gardening or painting allows for creative expression and skill enhancement.
Impact of the Recession: The recession has constrained the financial resources available for leisure activities, making it more challenging for families to engage in outings or events. Families may reduce their participation in social activities due to increased costs and the necessity to prioritize essential expenditures. This, in turn, leads to diminished family bonding and emotional strain, as the opportunities for relaxation and enjoyable experiences become more limited.
Step 2
Outline how leisure activities may contribute to the development of the individual.
Answer
Leisure activities contribute to individual development in several key areas:
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Physical Development: Participation in physical leisure activities enhances health and fitness levels, helping individuals learn new skills and improve existing ones. For instance, sports and exercise can boost coordination and strength.
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Social Skills: Engaging in group activities fosters social connections and helps individuals develop interpersonal skills, learn cooperation, and establish friendships, all of which are vital in personal and professional settings.
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Emotional Growth: Leisure activities provide an outlet for stress relief and can improve self-esteem and overall emotional health. Engaging in enjoyable activities offers individuals a break from life’s pressures, promoting relaxation.
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Cognitive Development: Many leisure pursuits require problem-solving and analytical skills. Games, puzzles, or creative hobbies can enhance cognitive abilities and mental sharpness, contributing to lifelong learning.
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Self-Expression and Creativity: Activities such as art, music, or writing allow individuals to explore their interests, express themselves, and develop their unique identity.