Blogging into retirement: Using qualitative online research methods to understand leisure among baby boomers

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 experiences with blogging as part of a research project, the process of negotiating the researchers' roles in terms of participating in and managing the blog, and strengths and limitations of the process in generating quality data (e.g., varying levels of engagement and reflection). Recommendations regarding online qualitative research with older adults are also discussed.