Indoor and Outdoor Activities of Aged Women and Men as Related to Depression and Well-Being

Abstract

This article examines the relations between reported level of activity and measures of affect in old people exploring possible sex differences. It was hypothesized that these relations are mediated by the satisfaction from the specific activity. The sample consisted of fifty-four women and forty-five men, ranging in age from sixty to eighty, functioning normally in the community. A questionnaire assessed participants' levels of indoor/outdoor activities. Participants rated their satisfaction for each of these activities. Negative affect was measured by Zung's Self-Rating Depression Scale, and positive affect was measured by Bradburn's Well-Being (Affect-Balance) Scale. For male respondents, results showed significant negative correlations between depression and both activities, and significant positive correlations with respect to well-being. Significant positive correlation was obtained only between well-being and outdoor activity for female respondents. When satisfaction from the specific activity was controlled for, only two correlations remained significant in the male participants, lending partial support to the hypothesis. A multiple regression analysis revealed reported levels of activity could predict both depression and well-being for men much better than for women, whereas satisfaction from activity could do that much better for women than for men. Discussion deals with the sex differences regarding the meaning of activity in old age and its implications for affect. The differentiation between kinds of activity as well as measures of affect is also referenced.

Giving Up and Replacing Activities in Response to Illness

“…The maintenance of physical and social activities likely serves as an important buffer against the negative effects that often accompany illness. Physical activity has been shown to improve mood, wellbeing, and self-efficacy, and social activities have been linked to the absence of depression (Strawbridge, Cohen, Sherma, & George, 1996), increased longevity (Berkman & Syme, 1979), and positive well-being (Lomranz, Bergman, Eyal, & Shmotkin, 1988;Mancini, 1978;Reich & Zautra, 1981;Russell, 1990;Steinkamp & Kelly, 1987;Zimmer et al, 1995). The role of physical and social activities in maintaining positive well-being during illness episodes has not been explored in prospective studies.…”

Physical Activity, Aging, and Psychological Well-Being

“…The other two studies reporting differential effects for sex were not exercise training studies but rather survey/recall studies (Lomranz, Bergman, Eyal, & Shmotkin, 1988;Morgan et al, 1991). The Morgan et al (1991) study reported only a weak relationship between customary physical activity over the previous 6 weeks and PWB for men, and no relationship for women.…”

“…The Morgan et al (1991) study reported only a weak relationship between customary physical activity over the previous 6 weeks and PWB for men, and no relationship for women. Lomranz et al (1988) reported the relationship between participation in indoor and outdoor activities over the past week and well-being in older adults. Results for affect balance scores suggest that activity is related to positive affect in males more than in females.…”

Leisure activity and well-being among the elderly in Taiwan: Testing hypotheses in an Asian setting

“…For example, Keith (1980) noted that men gain more from outdoor and maintenance activities while women more likely benefit from social pursuits. Lomranz, Bergman, Eyal & Shmotkin (1988), found that although elderly men benefit from both outdoor and indoor recreation, among women, positive influences are found for indoor activities only. In looking at compulsory physical activity, Morgan et al (1991) found that only men profited emotionally from increased participation.…”