Leisure Patterns and Attitudes of the Rural Elderly

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the leisure practices and attitudes of a population of rural, midwestern elderly. Trained interviewers surveyed 3097 subjects in their homes. Data were analyzed at individual and activity cluster levels.Individual activity participation rates portrayed present subjects as regular gardeners, walkers, and media users. They also seemed to be fairly regular participants in games of chance. Those 75 years of age or older participated less than subjects 65-74 years old. Some sex-related patterns emerged; women were more apt to participate in home-centered activities, men more likely to report outdoor recreation pursuits. Analysis of activity clusters reflected remarkably high involvement by subjects. Taken together, individual and activity cluster analyses indicated that subjects were more active in leisure than has been suggested in past studies and that their leisure attitudes were generally positive. From a conceptual standpoint, many theories of aging and leisure suggest a positive relationship between psychological health and leisure activity patterns.

Correlates of self‐reported leisure among adults with mental retardation

“…The influence of social expectations based on sex and functional competence, however, may be more pronounced. Furthermore, to be consistent with previous studies of adult leisure patterns, age is a primary factor with regard to pattern continuity and change over the adult life course and into very late life (Kelly, 1987;Mobily et al, 1986). Thus, this study was undertaken to examine leisure patterns of adults with mental retardation by ascertaining the relationship of age, sex, and functional competence (operationalized in the areas of motor and social-communication skills) to self-reported leisure activity participation, preferences, and interests.…”

“…A review of the literature on leisure activity patterns of adult populations resulted in the generation of a list of activities, from which 50 were selected as being representative of those most commonly investigated (cf. Lawton, Moss, & Fulcomer, 1986Mobily et al, 1986;Riddick & Daniel, 1984;Tinsley, Teaff, Colbs, & Kaufman, 1985). A 20-item constraints scale modified from the work of McGuire (1979McGuire ( , 1984 completed the instrument.…”

“…Proponents of activity theory have investigated a range of factors that influence patterns of adult activity involvement along with various outcome measures associated with perceived well-being, such as life satisfaction, happiness, and morale (cf. Fry, 1992;Kelly et al, 1986;Mobily et al, 1986;Ray & Heppe, 1986). Factors frequently studied include age, sex, functional competence, socioeconomic status (SES), education, activity type, and level and intensity of participation.…”

“…Fry, 1992), proposes that the individual's perceptions of selfworth and well-being are derived from activity involvement. Evidence suggests that patterns of adult activity involvement are expected to be both persistent as well as complex (Fry, 1992;Kelly, Steinkamp, & Kelly, 1986;Mobily, Leslie, Lemke, Wallace, & Kohout, 1986). Proponents of activity theory have investigated a range of factors that influence patterns of adult activity involvement along with various outcome measures associated with perceived well-being, such as life satisfaction, happiness, and morale (cf.…”

Sociodemographic Determinants of Leisure Participation Among Elderly in Malaysia

“…Mobily et al [17] had suggested that the elderly who live in rural environments are more actively engage in leisure activity and have a positive attitude compared to those in the urban environments. However, Wilcox et al [18] reported a contrary finding, in which there is no significant rural and urban difference among those who are actively involved in leisure.…”