A Theoretical Perspective on New Generation Therapeutic Recreation Methods

OpenAlex · Turkish

Therapeutic recreation is defined as special recreational activities that aim to improve individuals' emotional, social, physical, and psychological well-being and support people's multifaceted development. The purpose of this study is to identify next-generation therapeutic recreation applications that have emerged as a reflection of our evolving and digitalising lifestyle, and to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the current field through document analysis. This research aims to move beyond traditional definitions of therapeutic recreation by emphasising its nature as a multidisciplinary domain that supports mental, physical, social, and cognitive well-being. Within the scope of the analysis, 65 selected application examples were thematically classified and tabulated based on target groups, types of applications, utilised digital technologies, and objectives. The findings indicate a predominant prevalence of virtual reality (VR), robotic systems, and artificial intelligence (AI)-supported digital platforms, with a particular focus on individuals experiencing psychological difficulties and elderly populations. Furthermore, in light of both global and local market data, therapeutic recreation is concluded to be a strategically growing service sector with rapid expansion. In conclusion, next-generation therapeutic recreation is undergoing a comprehensive transformation fuelled by technology, extending beyond healthcare into social services, education, tourism, and digital media. This study aims to highlight the diversity, potential, and application areas of next-generation therapeutic recreation practices, thereby providing guidance for future research and practitioners in the field.