Sociodemographic Determinants of Leisure Participation Among Elderly in Malaysia

Abstract

Leisure participation has been proven to be beneficial and has a positive link to successful ageing. This study aims to explore the sociodemographic determinants of leisure participation among the Malaysian elderly. A cross-sectional study was conducted among persons aged 60 years and above, purposively selected from eight health clinics in the state of Selangor. Leisure participation was measured using a validated Leisure Participation Questionnaire specific for Malaysian elderly, consisting of 25 activities, categorized into 4 categories, namely recreational (physical), cognitive, social and productive. Frequency of such participation was measured on a 6-point scale. Its association with sociodemographic variables was examined using inferential and regression analysis. 268 participants were involved in this study (response rate = 100%). The most common daily leisure activities were having conversations while relaxing (78.7%), watching television (74.6%) and reading (63.4%). The least frequently done leisure activities were from the recreational and cognitive categories. The activities were weakly correlated to each other, reflecting the lack of diversity of leisure activities among respondents. Education was the main predictor for leisure participation among elderly, with higher educational level is associated with high RAS (B = 1.020, P < 0.05), CAS (B = 1.580, P < 0.05) and SAS (B = 1.276, P < 0.05). Education level, marital status and locality were important determinants of leisure participation among elderly, with education being the main predictor. Further studies exploring the effective method of educating the ageing society are recommended.

Healthy aging is reflected in well-being, participation, playfulness, and cognitive-emotional functioning

“…Thanakwang et al [23] added the absence of serious diseases to the definition of healthy aging, as well as having functional independence, a positive psycho-emotional outlook, and making a social contribution. The concept of 'successful aging' has also been defined in relation to one's subjective sense of value, as well as the absence of severe chronic disease and disability, maintenance of good physical and cognitive abilities, and preservation of social and productive activities, such as leisure participation [18,36]. Cha et al [22] focused on attributes such as self-esteem, selfachievement, interpersonal relationships, and selfefficacy, while Carlson et al [37] highlighted a sense of control over one's life, and achieving continuity with one's past, as part of the definition.…”

“…As reflected in various studies, which employed different research methodologies in attempt to understand what healthy or successful aging is, healthy aging also encompasses cognitive and emotional functioning in later life [18,19,24].…”

“…Cognitive and physical functions, together with good health/wellness and participation in meaningful occupations, have been described as successful [16,18] or as currently termed, 'healthy' aging. Healthy aging has been defined from physiological, psychological, societal, and personal perspectives as: "…the process of slowing down, physically and cognitively, while resiliently adapting and compensating in order to optimally function and participate in all areas of one's life (physical, cognitive, social, and spiritual)" [19].…”

Key characteristics of age-friendly cities and communities: A review

“…Those less formally educated were found to have stronger religious affiliations (Ng et al, 2011). Level of education was also found to be an important factor in Minhat and Amin's (2012) study of leisure participation of elderly persons in Malaysia. Compared to those with low educational levels, better educated elderly persons were found to engage in leisure participation and have better health status (Minhat & Amin, 2012).…”

Advanced Activities of Daily Living (AADLs) and cognitive performance in community-dwelling elderly persons: Data from the FIBRA Study - UNICAMP

“…It is additionally influenced by gender, age, health conditions, education, marital status and place of residence. [2][3][4] Consequently, a decline in the health of an individual often precludes their ability to perform AADLs, predisposing them to social isolation. 5 The term AADLs encompasses activities of varying degrees of complexity, which are usually grouped into physical, social and intellectual categories.…”