Leisure Activity Participation as Predictor of Quality of Life in Korean Urban-dwelling Elderly

Abstract

This study investigated participation in leisure activities in urban-dwelling elderly persons in Korea and its role in predicting quality of life. The participated activities over a 48-hour period were recorded by each participant, and amount of participated time for each activity was calculated. Correlational analysis examined the relationship between the degree of participation in domains of leisure activity and quality of life. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine which leisure activity participation predicted quality of life. The results indicated that the participants spent the most time in "use of media". Quality of life showed a positive correlation with "use of media", "sports and outdoor leisure activity" and "hobby and other leisure activity". The results of hierarchical multiple regression analysis found that use of media, "religious activity", sports and outdoor leisure activity and hobby and other leisure activity significantly predicted quality of life after controlling for the effects of demographic variables. Of these variables, hobby and other leisure activity was the strongest predictor of quality of life. The results will augment treatment planning and activity management in enhancing quality of life by allied health professionals, especially occupational therapists. The findings are limited in that the sample consisted of urban-dwelling elderly primarily with a religious affiliation. It is recommended that a cross-cultural investigation using standard assessment measures be conducted to validate whether there is indeed similarities in time use and leisure activity participation in the elderly in different cultures.

Effects of a change in social activity on quality of life among middle‐aged and elderly Koreans: Analysis of the Korean longitudinal study of aging (2006–2012)

“…15 A study of urban-dwelling Korean older adults found that leisure activity was the strongest predictor of quality of life. 32 These studies are consistent with our findings, which showed that continuous participation in leisure/sports clubs had positive effects on quality of life.…”

Identifying the enablers and barriers to community participation amongst older adults

“…This supports previous findings, which suggested that community-based groups that are interest-focused encouraged older adults' participation (Andonian & MacRae, 2011;Berger, McAteer, Schreier, & Kaldenberg, 2013;Lee, Lee, & Park, 2014;Ormsby, Stanley, & Jaworski, 2010;Richeson, Buettner, McKenzie, Fitzsimmons, & Keller, 2006). Previous research also suggested that designing groups to promote the development or maintenance of friendships, health and interests encourages community participation by older adults (Andonian & MacRae, 2011;Dickens, Richards, Greaves, & Campbell, 2011;Nicholson, 2012).…”

Qualidade de Vida e Participação em Iniciativas de Base Comunitária: Um estudo num município da zona centro de Portugal.

“…A relação entre a prática de exercício físico, a qualidade de vida e o envelhecimento bem-sucedido também tem sido amplamente estudada (Cavalcanti, et al, 2016;Choi, Lee, Lee, & Jung, 2017;Gutiérrez, et al, 2018;Kahana, et al, 2005;Kolt, Driver, & Giles, 2004;Lee, Lee, & Park, 2014). São consideráveis as evidências de que a prática de exercício físico é um forte preditor de envelhecimento bem-sucedido (Kolt, et al, 2004), ao atuar como um fator preventivo/moderador de doença e de incapacidade nos indivíduos mais velhos (Kahana, et al, 2005;Lee, et al, 2014) pelo fortalecimento da sua condição física e dos laços sociais, em particular se a atividade for praticada por lazer (Gutiérrez, et al, 2018). A prática de exercício físico também parece contribuir de forma positiva para o bem-estar psicológico (Chung, Zhao, Liu, & Quach, 2017;Gutiérrez, et al, 2018) e percepção de qualidade de vida (Choi, et al, 2013;Horder, Skoog, & Frändin, 2013).…”