The effect of leisure activities on successful aging.

Abstract

The world population is aging with the prolongation of the expected life expectancy. With the increase in the elderly population in the World, successful aging and leisure activities gained importance. Leisure activities contribute to successful aging by supporting an active lifestyle. This study was designed to examine the relationship between older adults' participation in leisure activities and successful aging indicators such as life satisfaction, happiness, mental well-being, depression, anxiety, and stress. The sample of this one-group and pre-post experimental study consisted of 28 older adults. The data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form for the Older Adults, The Happiness, Depression-Anxiety-Stress, Satisfaction with Life, and Mental Well-being Scales. The older adults participated in activities such as bead stringing, rope tying, socks matching, rope knitting, chess, and checkers, according to their preferences, for 30-45 min daily for 7 weeks. The Happiness Scale scores statistically significantly increased to 24.39 ± 5.15 (P = 0.027 <0.05) at post-test after the activity. Similarly, Life Satisfaction Scale scores increased significantly to 16.54 ± 3.49 after the activity (P = 0.001 <0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease in Depression and Stress Scale scores (depression P = 0.035 <0.05; stress P = 0.011 < 0.05); however, a statistically insignificant increase was seen in anxiety scores (P = 0.758 >0.05). A statistically insignificant increase was also found in the Mental Well-Being Scale post-test score (P = 0.103 >0.05). Although leisure activities, effective in successful aging, have a significant effect on the happiness, life satisfaction, depression, and stress levels of older adults, they have no significant effect on the levels of anxiety and mental well-being. To maintain the positive effects of leisure activities, which are effective on success and aging in older adults, these activities can be included in the programs of institutions where people of this age group live.