Relationship between flow experience and subjective vitality among older adults attending senior centres

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examined relationships between leisure autonomy, leisure competence, leisure social support, and flow experience and subjective vitality among older adults. In total, 257 older adults attending senior centres from New Taipei City, Taiwan were recruited. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, during which leisure autonomy, leisure competence, leisure social support, flow experience, and subjective vitality were measured. The data were analysed using a hierarchical regression method. Results revealed that leisure autonomy, leisure competence, and leisure social support were significantly and positively correlated with subjective vitality and that flow experience was more significantly and positively correlated with subjective vitality than the three leisure needs were. Practical implications of results in terms of enhancing subjective vitality among older adults are discussed. Considering that flow experience is a strong predictor of subjective vitality among older adults, helping older adults experience flow should considerably enhance their subjective vitality. Flow is experienced when a balance is reached between high levels of challenges and skills. Therefore, leisure with such balance increases the likelihood that older adults can experience flow.