The graph illustrates the way older adults in the United States use their spare time from 1980 to 2010.
Overall, there was an upward trend in four activities over the time span, while theatre saw a steady decline.
In terms of rising trends, hiking experienced the most dramatic growth, starting at just 20% in the 1980s and increasing steadily to reach 60% by the 2010s. Similarly, internet usage among the old age group rose sharply, from around 5% in 1980 to 60% in 2010. Moreover, reading also followed an upwards trajectory overall, despite a minor drop in the 2000s. At the beginning about 30% and ended at the same level as internet usage.
By contrast, the percentage of elderly people watching TV remained relatively stable. It was consistently popular, peaking at about 70% in 2000s before declining slightly to just above 60% in the 2010s. Theatre attendance fluctuated more noticeably. Starting at 50% in the 1980s, it dropped to 30% in the 1990s, then increased again to around 45% by the end of the period.