Leisure Activities and the Subjective Well-Being of Older Adults in Croatia

Abstract

Abstract. Research shows that engagement in leisure activities promotes well-being among older adults. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between subjective well-being (flourishing) and leisure activities (total number of different activities in the previous year) in a sample of older adults in Croatia, thereby considering the variables of sex, marital status, financial status, and self-perceived health. The differences in the examined variables between the groups of older adults who reported to be engaged in new activities with those who did not were also examined. The sample of N = 169 older adults aged 60 years and above was drawn from a convenience sample of adult internet users in Croatia. Participants reported their self-perceived health and the number of leisure activities they engaged in over the previous year as well as completing the Flourishing Scale. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that older adults who were engaged in more various leisure activities, who perceived better financial status, and who were married reported higher levels of flourishing. A comparison of the two groups of older adults with and without engagement in leisure activities showed that those engaged in at least one leisure activity were more likely to be women, reported higher levels of flourishing, and perceived their own financial status as better. This study indicated that engaging in leisure activities in later life might provide beneficial effects for the well-being of older adults.

Psychosocial Predictors of Sleep Quality in Residents of Nursing Homes

“…The average frequency of social participation in participants was rated quite low at both measurements, and no significant change was found over the 8-year period. The associations of participation in social, leisure, and productive activities with positive emotional and physical outcomes have been confirmed (Berg et al, 2007, Kaliterna Lipovčan, Brkljačić, Prizmić Larsen, Brajša-Žganec, & Franc, 2018). Although most nursing homes offer a choice of social activities on the premises, the frequency of residents’ participation is usually low.…”

Life satisfaction, worthwhileness of life and leisure activities among older people: assessing the mediating effect of self-reported health limitations

“…The empirical literature investigating the factors linked to eudaimonic wellbeing, ourishing or feeling that life is worthwhile is much smaller than that relating to life satisfaction (What Works Centre for Wellbeing, 2021). For older people, the number of leisure activities engaged in was associated with a measure of ourishing in a small Croatian study (Kaliterna Lipovčan, L., Brkljačić, T., Prizmić Larsen, Z., Brajša-Žganec, A., & Franc, 2018). In terms of speci c activities, there is evidence from Korean adults of all ages that volunteering enhances eudaimonic and social well-being (but not hedonic well-being) (Son & Wilson, 2012).…”

Leisure Participation for Mental Health Promotion in Later Life: A Six-Year Longitudinal Study

“…Poor mental health increases the risk of functional capacity decline, dependence, and mortality in older populations (Yoshida et al, 2021). Older adults’ happiness, life satisfaction, self-rated health, and depression are major indicators that should be monitored for ensuring successful aging (Kepic, 2019; Lipovčan et al, 2018; Sala et al, 2019; Zhang et al, 2017).…”

“…Long-term leisure participation may maintain physical capacity, interpersonal relationships, and social values for avoiding boredom, social isolation, loneliness, and depressive symptoms (Jeong & Park, 2020; Ryu & Heo, 2018). Continuous leisure engagement can not only maintain but also improve older adults’ mental health (Lipovčan et al, 2018; Sala et al, 2019).…”

“…The Flourishing through Leisure Model is a theoretical framework focusing on the role of leisure activities in promoting human flourishing and well-being (Anderson & Heyne, 2012; Wise, 2020). It suggests that leisure participation contributes to an individual’s overall well-being and flourishing through positive emotions, engagement, flow, positive relationships, personal growth, skill development, self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment (Lipovčan et al, 2018). A flourishing life through participation in leisure activities can improve psychological, emotional, social, spiritual, cognitive, and physical well-being (Deyell Hood & Carruthers, 2016).…”