Leisure participation in frail and pre-frail older adults: What do we know about their knowledge and motivation concerning the use of compensatory strategies?

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to determine whether frail and pre-frail seniors know about specific compensatory strategies that healthcare professionals believe would foster their engagement in leisure activities, and whether they are motivated to use these strategies. Knowledge and motivation toward compensatory strategies were assessed in 26 community-dwelling older adults (80+) with valid and reliable rating scales. Strategies such as Taking breaks and Changing the time of the activity were more likely to be known and motivating. Participants reported different levels of knowledge and motivation toward Using a walking aid, wheelchair loans, chauffeuring by others, and accessible parking permit. Using paratransit services was a strategy more likely to be unknown but motivating. Results will support the development of interventions that foster vulnerable older adults’ optimal participation in meaningful leisure activities. The findings may also have implications for social policy, underlying the need to promote awareness of adaptive and accessible compensatory strategies.