Leisure Activities and Service Knowledge and Use among the Rural Elderly

Abstract

This exploratory study uses Andersen's service utilization model to examine the relationship between the leisure activity patterns of older people and their knowledge and use of health and social services. Hierarchical stepwise multiple regression analyses of data from 418 people ages 65 and older in rural Qu/ebec revealed that leisure activity patterns may explain a greater amount of variation in service knowledge and use than conventional need characteristics such as physical and psychological health. Various activity patterns were significantly related to knowledge and use of services even after controlling for variables such as age and health status. Although some types of leisure activities appeared to augment knowledge and use of services, others seemed to deter it. Future explanatory models of service utilization among the elderly should be expanded to include leisure activity patterns.

Social determinants of older adults’ awareness of community support services in Hamilton, Ontario

“…While not a social determinant of health, the literature suggests that we should also consider the association of health to awareness of CSSs. Self‐reported health was not related to the awareness of services in three studies (Krout 1985, West et al. 1996, Calsyn & Winter 1999b).…”

“…1996). Despite the greater likelihood of older adults to experience diminished capacity, most studies show a negative or no relationship of age to awareness of home health services and CSSs (Snider 1980b, Chapleski 1989, West et al. 1996).…”

“…Second, the proportion of respondents aware of CSSs varied by the type of community service (Kushman & Freeman 1986, Salvage et al. 1988, Chapleski 1989, Calsyn & Roades 1993, West et al. 1996, Calsyn et al.…”

“…The literature on the relationship between income and awareness of services is mixed with some studies showing a positive relationship (Rao & Rao 1983, Chapleski 1989) and other studies showing no relationship (Krout 1985). Social support from family and friends has been found to be a facilitator to the use of CSSs (Rao & Rao 1983, Chapleski 1989, West et al. 1996, Calsyn & Winter 1999b, Gallagher & Truglio‐Londrigan 2004).…”

“…Social engagement, as measured by membership in clubs, contact with formal organisations, and length of time in the community is significantly related to awareness of community services (Krout 1985, West et al. 1996).…”