A Study on Leisure Activities, Leisure Life Satisfaction, Perceived Health Status and Depression in the Elderly

Bak, Hae Kyoung

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate leisure activities, leisure life satisfaction, perceived health status and depression in the elderly and to examine the relationships among those variables. METHOD: The subjects were 204 elderly visiting a senior welfare service center in G city. Data were collected from September 14 to 18 in 2009. All subjects agreed to participate and filled out the survey questionnaire after signing the consent form.
RESULTS
1) The mean score of leisure activities was 2.81; the mean score of leisure life satisfaction was 4.14; the mean score of perceived health status was 8.92; the mean score of depression was 5.13 and 42.2% of the subjects belonged to the depression group. 2) The level of leisure activities was significantly different according to education level, religion, spouse and pocket money. The level of leisure life satisfaction was significantly different according to religion and pocket money. The level of perceived health status was significantly different according to sex, education level and pocket money. The level of depression was significantly different according to spouse and pocket money. 3) Leisure activities showed positive correlation with leisure life satisfaction and perceived health status, but showed negative correlation with depression.
CONCLUSION
These findings showed the need for the health promotion program that increases leisure activities and leisure life satisfaction without economic burden.