Life Satisfaction, Acculturation, and Leisure Participation Among Older Urban Korean Immigrants

Abstract

A sample of 127 Korean-born elderly persons was surveyed to investigate relationships between leisure participation, acculturation, and life satisfaction. A survey instrument containing four components, a) demographics, b) leisure participation, c) life satisfaction, and d) acculturation was administered to the participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to report demographic variables and reponses to the survey questionnaires. Results of the analyses showed that the respondents tended to have low levels of participation in leisure activities, low acculturation, and low life satisfaction. The analyses also revealed that: participants engaged in home and social activities more than other forms of activities; participation in leisure activities was positively related to levels of acculturation and life satisfaction; and life satisfaction and acculturation were positively related. After controlling for demographic background factors and acculturation, participation in leisure activities accounted for a significant portion of the variance in life satisfaction. Theoretical considerations, implications for practitioners, and recommendations for future research are discussed.