Exploring the Leisure - Health Nexus: Pushing Global Boundaries

By exploring past, current, and future intersections between leisure and health, this book considers research and academic thought to reveal and critique the nuanced ways that leisure impacts health as well as considering how health professions use leisure as a 'tool'. Aided by the diverse chapters, readers will be challenged to explore future intersections between leisure and health using an overarching eco (ecological/environmental), bio(biological), psycho (psychological), social (sociological) lens. Many of the chapters include case-studies which consider further developing leisure and health themes, particularly in relation to a number of emerging environmental, health and societal challenges that confront the world. In addition, the book:·Is cross disciplinary and demonstrates non-individualized framing of health (as per the WHO definition) giving readers a unique opportunity to develop an understanding of sociological frameworks, including ecobiopyschosocial, salutogenic, multi-species and criticalist.·Moves readers from an individual level understanding of interconnections between leisure and health through to a consideration of global issues (including a section on the impact and consequences of Covid-19).·Examines the nexus between leisure and health through a focus on a number of population groups including First Nations peoples, women, incarcerated people, migrants, people with disabilities, older people, and the human-animal interface. The book will be of significant interest to researchers/academics/practitioners in the leisure, health, sport, tourism, recreation, events, social science, and arts disciplines.

Dr Hazel Maxwell is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Tasmania in Australia. Her research and teaching focuses on physical activity, community sport, social inclusion and diversity management. Hazel is interested in issues concerning women and girls in sport and leisure contexts. She also has 20 years management and governance experience in a variety of leisure, health promotion and education settings in Australia and the UK

Dr Richard McGrath is a lecturer and researcher at the University of South Australia in the academic unit of Allied Health and Human Performance. Dr McGrath's interests cover a range of sociological aspects related to leisure, sport, recreation, the arts and health, particularly focusing on inclusive practices and community engagement.

Dr Janette Young is a lecturer and researcher at the University of South Australia in the academic unit of Allied Health and Human Performance. Dr Young is an established researcher in the field of human-animal relationships with a particular focus on the intersection and balancing of both human and animal needs, experiences and rights. She has edited 2 books in this field and numerous chapters, peer reviewed journal articles and conference presentations, along with supervising multiple PhD and Honours projects. She is author or informant for a range of popular media articles and regularly invited to speak publicly in relation to humans' relationships with pets. She is co-chair of Animal Therapies Ltd (SA) the Australian entity focused on advancing understanding, acceptance and accessibility of animal-assisted interventions.

Dr Nicole Peel is a Lecturer at Western Sydney University. Her research and teaching focuses on leisure and health, recreation therapy, creative approaches and innovative solutions. Nicole is interested in how systems operate, and where the areas for change exist to optimise opportunities for healthy outcomes using leisure for marginalised individuals. Nicole has over 25 years of experience as a leisure practitioner and manager in varied governance roles across community and government settings.