Leisure Activity Levels Research Articles

Life Satisfaction and its Determinants Among Young Iranian Women

Background: Satisfaction with life indicates an individual’s overall evaluation of life, which is influenced by a range of factors including socio-demographic characteristics, psychological issues, and life experiences. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the main determinants of life satisfaction among young Iranian women. Patients and Methods: 391 young Iranian women (18 - 35 years) were recruited through cluster convenience sampling to participate in this cross-sectional study. Satisfaction with life (SwL) was used as the dependent variable. Demographic characteristics together with the individual items of the Persian version of the WHO QoL-BREF (World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire-brief version) were used as the independent variables and/or the determinants of SwL. Results: The analysis showed that young Iranian women’s satisfaction with life was average (19.9 ± 6.4), ranging from 5 to 35. The regression analysis identified higher income, better living conditions, higher level of leisure activities, and satisfactory sexual life as the main predictors of higher satisfaction with life. Satisfaction with life diminishes with increased age, being divorced and/or widowed and being of Lor ethnicity (vs. Fars and Tork ethnicities). On the other hand, those with higher education and/or level of religiosity had a higher satisfaction with life. Conclusions: In transitional countries, particularly those with different social and cultural situations, identifying and enhancing the main determinants of SwL is of importance in order to improve socially cohesive and robust community.

뇌졸중 환자의 여가동기와 참여제약이 여가 활동수준에 미치는 영향

Objective : The purpose of this study was to verify leisure motivation and participation restrictions effect on level of leisure activity in stroke patients.Methods : Since 12 November 2014 until 19 December, we have collected a data about participation restrictions, a leisure motivation, and Korean Activity Card Sort (K-ACS) Targeting 125 inpatients/outpatients who were diagnosed with stroke that are over 55 years old. For the data analysis, we implemented a descriptive statistic, a pearson correlation coefficient, and a multiple regression analysis.Results : The study shows that the stroke patients’ level of current leisure activity showed a significant correlation with a leisure motivation and participation restrictions. The leisure motivation in subordinate area, it manifest a correlation that is significant in learn, self-development, a health, and social. And it showed a significant of personally restrictions in subordinate area of participation restrictions. The element that effects on a level of current leisure activity, it resulted as personal restrictions, learn and social of leisure motivation, the explanation ability was analysed as to 20.0%.Conclusion : Need to utilize an intervention method to maintain a healthy life in participating a leisure activity for the stroke patients, and it is needed of an approach towards restrictions elements and motivator for the leisure intervention.

Leisure activity associated with cognitive ability level, but not cognitive change.

Although activity participation is promoted as cognitively protective, critical questions of causality remain. In a cohort followed every 5 years from age 75 to 85 years, potential reciprocal associations between level and change in leisure activity participation and level and change in cognitive abilities were examined. Participants in the Glostrup 1914 Cohort, a longitudinal study of aging, completed standardized cognitive ability tests and reported their leisure activity participation (11 activities defined a leisure activity score) at ages 75, 80, and 85. Higher leisure activity was associated with higher cognitive ability (significant correlations ranged from 0.15 to 0.31, p < 0.05). Between ages 75 and 85, participation in leisure activities and cognitive ability declined significantly. Growth curve models, which provided latent variables for level of and 10-year change in both leisure activity and cognitive ability, confirmed the positive association between levels of leisure activity and cognitive ability (path coefficient = 0.36, p < 0.001); however, neither leisure activity level nor change in leisure activity were associated with cognitive change. Although a positive association between leisure activity and cognitive ability was reported—the likely precedents of this are discussed—there was no evidence that a higher level or maintenance of leisure activity was protective against cognitive decline across a 10-year follow-up.

Frequency of leisure activities and depressive symptomatology in elderly people: the moderating role of rumination

The positive effects of leisure activities on depressive symptomatology are well known. However, the extent to which emotional regulation variables moderate that relationship has scarcely been studied, especially in older people. The aim of this study is to analyze the moderating role of rumination in the relation between leisure activities and depressive symptoms. Participants in this study were 311 people, aged 60 to 90 years (mean age: 71.27 years; SD: 6.99; 71.7% women). We evaluated depressive symptomatology, frequency of leisure activities, and rumination. We carried out a hierarchical regression analysis to confirm the moderating role of rumination. We obtained a model that explains 39.4% of the variance of depressive symptomatology. Main effects were found for the frequency of leisure activities (β = -0.397; p < 0.01) and for rumination (β = 0.497; p < 0.01). Moreover, we found a significant effect of the interaction between frequency of leisure activities and rumination (β = 0.110; p < 0.05), suggesting that rumination plays a moderating role in the relation between leisure activities and depressive symptomatology. A risk profile of elderly people may consist of those who engage in low levels of leisure activities but also use more frequently the dysfunctional emotional regulation strategy of rumination.

Leisure, Gender, and Kinship in Dementia Caregiving: Psychological Vulnerability of Caregiving Daughters With Feelings of Guilt

The moderator role of guilt on the effect of leisure activities on dementia caregivers' depressive symptoms was analyzed, considering differences by kinship and guilt as a multidimensional construct. Participants were 351 caregivers (58.97% daughters, 10.54% sons, 19.66% wives, and 10.83% husbands). Measures included frequency of leisure activities, depressive symptoms, and guilt (total scale and 5 factors). A moderator role of guilt was found only for daughters. Specifically, significant interactions between guilt and frequency of leisure activities were found for the total scale and for the Factors 1 (guilt about doing wrong by the care recipient), 2 (guilt about failing to meet the challenges of caregiving), and 3 (guilt about self-care). For those daughters who reported lower levels of leisure activities, showing higher levels of guilt was associated with higher scores in depressive symptoms, whereas those with lower levels of guilt showed lower depressive symptoms scores. Feelings of guilt may have different consequences on caregivers' distress depending on caregivers' gender and kinship. Daughters with higher levels of guilt who do not engage in leisure activities may be especially vulnerable to suffering psychological distress.

Perceived Determinants of Well-Being and Enjoyment Level of Leisure Activities

Two facets of leisure, perceived determinants of well-being and enjoyment of common leisure activities, were investigated in 388 participants. For well-being, a principal components (PCA) analysis yielded five components: competence, relatedness and health, wealth, personal values, and freedom of choice. For the enjoyment of leisure activities, another PCA generated seven components: wellness, sedentary leisure, intellectual leisure, social leisure, routine activities, self-realization, and inner peace. Different leisure enjoyment of young adults (18–30 years old) in contrast to adults and seniors was attributed to social transformations as also predicted by several theories of social change. The relationship between the determinants of well-being and enjoyment of leisure activities was statistically significant but meaningfully debatable.

How can elderly apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers remain free from dementia?

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia, but not all ε4 carriers develop dementia. We sought to identify factors that may play a role in modifying the risk of dementia due to ε4. A cognitively intact cohort (n = 932, age ≥ 75) was followed for 9 years to detect incident dementia cases. At baseline, information on education, leisure activities, and vascular risk factors was collected, and APOE was genotyped. During the follow-up, 324 subjects developed dementia, including 247 AD cases. The hazard ratio (HR, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]) of dementia related to the ε4 was 1.39 (1.11–1.76), while the risk was reduced when ε4 carriers had high education, no vascular risk factors, or high score of leisure activities. Among ε4 carriers, the multiadjusted HRs of dementia that were associated with high education, high level of leisure activities, and absence of vascular risk factors were 0.59 (0.40–0.87), 0.49 (0.29–0.85), and 0.61 (0.41–0.90), respectively. The ε4 carriers with these factors had about 1.2 years delayed time to dementia onset compared with those without these factors. High education, active leisure activities, or maintaining vascular health seems to reduce the risk of dementia related to APOE ε4. The ε4 carriers with these characteristics appear to have similar dementia-free survival time to non-ε4 carriers.

Brain tissue volumes by APOE genotype and leisure activity—the AGES-Reykjavik Study

This study investigates the association of the APOE ε4 allele and leisure activity with brain tissue volumes, including white matter hyperintensities (WMH), in a population-based cohort of 4303 nondemented individuals, aged 66–96 years. APOE ε4 carriers were shown to have greater WMH and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volumes than noncarriers but smaller gray matter (GM) volumes. There was no significant difference in white matter (WM) and total brain parenchymal (TBP) volumes between APOE ε4 carriers and noncarriers. Tests for linear trend showed that individuals with lower leisure activity levels had greater WMH and CSF volumes, smaller TBP, WM and GM volumes than those with the highest levels of participation. The significant positive trend of the leisure activity with the brain tissue volumes was observed in the APOE ε4 carriers as well as in noncarriers after adjustment for demographic and health factors. These cross-sectional data suggest leisure activity is associated with tissue volumes in the brain irrespective of the APOE ε4 risk allele status.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements and cognitive decline: Singapore Longitudinal Aging Studies.

To determine the association between long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplements intake and cognitive decline in an older Chinese population. Prospective cohort study. The Singapore Longitudinal Aging Studies (SLAS), a community-based study in urban region of Singapore. 1,475 Chinese adults aged ≥ 55 years. Omega-3 PUFA supplements intake and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were assessed at baseline. MMSE was re-assessed at a median of 1.5 years after baseline and cognitive decline was defined as at least 2-points drop in MMSE score from baseline to follow-up. Odds ratios (ORs) of association between n-3 PUFA supplements intake and cognitive decline were calculated in logistic regression models controlling for baseline confounding variables. Daily n-3 PUFA supplements intake was significantly (p=0.024) associated with lower risk of cognitive decline (OR=0.37, 95% C.I. 0.16-0.87) after controlling for age, gender, education, number of medical comorbidity, the presence of vascular risk factors/diseases, smoking, alcohol drinking, depression, APOE e4 allele carrier status, nutritional status, level of leisure activities, baseline MMSE and length of follow-up. The association remained significant (p=0.015) after excluding participants with baseline cognitive impairment (MMSE < 24), diabetes, stroke, and cardiac diseases (OR=0.23, 95% C.I. 0.07-0.75). No statistically significant association (OR=1.02, 95% C.I. 0.81-1.27) of fish consumption with cognitive decline was found. Daily n-3 PUFA supplements consumption was independently associated with less cognitive decline in elderly Chinese.

The influence of selected personal and environmental factors on leisure activities in adults with cerebral palsy

Purpose. This study examined the influence of selected personal and environmental factors on leisure participation in adults with cerebral palsy (CP).Methods. A group of 145 adults with CP (18–41 years old, 51% male) responded to questionnaires regarding 1) socio-demographic and health factors, 2) life habits (Life-H: short version 3.1) and 3) the environment (Measure of the Quality of the Environment: version 2.0). A χ2 statistic (p < 0.05) estimated the association between 1) socio-demographic and health factors and the environment and 2) the level of leisure activity participation.Results. Most participants (mean age = 28 years) lived with their parents. Leisure activities were their principal occupation. Mobility and participation were positively associated. The environment (e.g. accompanying services, adapted transport, cultural services and computers) facilitated leisure for those with a high or moderate participation level. Individuals with low participation perceived the environment as having no influence.Conclusions. Adults with CP who are more mobile participate more in leisure activities. A positive perception of the environment (facilitating leisure participation) likely reflects the individual's ability to benefit from the environment, whereas a neutral view of the environment may reflect the fact that other factors, such as mobility limitations, are of greater relevance to leisure participation.

Positive Development in Children and the Precursors of Healthy Life-Styles: The Role of Eating Regularity and Level of Leisure Activity

The two sides of children positive development, that is physical and psychological health, have been most often investigated separately. We explored the relationships between not being overweight, respecting relational rules, regularity of eating behavior (eating breakfast) and involvement in active (e.g. playing in team sport) or sedentary (e.g. playing at videogames) leisure activities shared with friends. The study was conducted among 272 Italian children (52% female; M age = 6.85 yrs) using a multi-informant design (children, parents and teachers of physical activity). Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that regularity of eating breakfast (informed by parents) was associated to lower levels of Body Mass Index (BMI) values (objectively measured) in girls. Involvement in sedentary leisure activity with friends (informed by children) was negatively associated with respecting relational rules (evaluated by teachers of physical activity) in boys. Thus, more or less active leisure activity and more or less healthy eating behaviour have some potential relevance for present and future general adjustment of boys and girls, and not only for their physical condition. Implications for educational interventions are discussed.

시큐리티 요원의 여가활동과 직무만족 및 삶의 질의 관계

이 연구의 목적은 시큐리티 요원들의 여가활동과 직무만족 및 삶의 질의 관계를 규명하는데 있다. 이 연구에서는 수도권 소재 시큐리티 회사에 재직하고 있는 시큐리티 요원을 모집단으로 설정한 다음, 판단 표집법을 활용하여 총 360명을 표집하였다. 그러나 최종 분석에 사용된 사례수는 333명이었다. 이 연구에서 도출한 결론은 다음과 같다. 첫째, 시큐리티 요원의 여가활동 유형은 직무만족에 영향을 미치지 않는다. 둘째, 시큐리티 요원의 여가활동 유형은 삶의 질에 영향을 미친다. 즉, 여가활동 유형에 따라 삶의 질은 차이가 있으며, 관람감상활동에서 높다. 셋째, 시큐리티 요원의 여가활동 수준은 삶의 질에 인과적 영향을 미친다. 즉, 여가활동 수준은 삶의 질에 직접적인 영향을 미칠 뿐만 아니라, 직무만족의 하위요인인 급여만족을 통하여 삶의 질에 간접적인 영향을 미친다. 급여만족은 여가활동 수준과 삶의 질 간의 관계를 매개하는 변수임을 알 수 있다. This study is to examine the relationship between leisure activities, job satisfaction and quality of life among security agents. To attain the goal of the study described above paragraphs, private guards held in Seoul and Gyeong-Gi were set as a collected group. Then, using judgment sampling method, finally drewout and analyzed 333 peoples in total. The result of reliability analysis check up was here below; Chronbach's <TEX>$\alpha$</TEX>= .665-.816. The conclusion drawn from this study is as follows: First, it make no difference between leisure types in job satisfaction. Second, there is a difference between leisure type in quality of life. Third, the level of leisure activities results in the indirect, direct effect on quality of life through job satisfaction. Job satisfaction is an important variable intermediating the relationship between leisure activiteis and quality of life.

Healthy Cognitive Aging and Leisure Activities Among the Oldest Old in Japan: Takashima Study

Little is known regarding the normative levels of leisure activities among the oldest old and the factors that explain the age-associated decline in these activities. The sample included 303 cognitively intact community-dwelling elderly persons with no disability in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and minimal dependency in Instrumental ADL (IADL) in Shiga prefecture, Japan. We examined (i) the nature and frequency of leisure activities, comparing the oldest old versus younger age groups; (ii) factors that explain the age-associated differences in frequencies of engagement in these activities; and (iii) domain-specific cognitive functions associated with these activities, using three summary index scores: physical and nonphysical hobby indexes and social activity index. The oldest old (85 years old or older) showed significantly lower frequency scores in all activity indexes, compared with the youngest old (age 65-74 years). Gait speed or overall mobility consistently explained the age-associated reduction in levels of activities among the oldest old, whereas vision or hearing impairment and depressive symptoms explained only the decline in social activity. Frequency of engagement in nonphysical hobbies was significantly associated with all cognitive domains examined. Knowing the factors that explain age-associated decline in leisure activities can help in planning strategies for maintaining activity levels among elderly persons.

Metabolic Syndrome and Cognitive Decline in Chinese Older Adults: Results From the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Studies

To determine the association of the metabolic syndrome (MS) with cognitive decline in a Chinese older population. In a prospective cohort study of 1,352 community-living Chinese older adults without cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination, MMSE <24) and without cardiovascular disease and stroke, the authors assessed baseline MS (defined according to International Diabetic Federation Criteria). Cognitive decline was predefined as at least 2-point drop in MMSE score at follow-up 1-2 years after baseline assessment. MS was present in 26.3% of the participants at baseline and was significantly associated with the risk of cognitive decline (odds ratio, 1.42: confidence interval, 1.01-1.98), after controlling for potential confounding by age, gender, education, smoking, alcohol drinking, depressive symptoms, APOE-e4 status, level of leisure activities, baseline MMSE, and length of follow-up. The MS was associated with increased risk of cognitive decline in Chinese older adults.

Physical, social and productive leisure activities, cognitive decline and interaction with APOE-ε4 genotype in Chinese older adults

We evaluated the combined and differential effects of physical, social and productive activities on cognitive decline and whether they were modified by the presence of the APOE-epsilon 4 allele. In a prospective cohort study of 1635 community-dwelling Chinese older adults aged 55 or older participating in the ongoing Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study, physical, social and productive leisure activities were assessed at baseline, and cognitive decline (at least one point drop) in MMSE scores between baseline and follow-up after one year. Cognitive decline was observed in 30% of the respondents. Controlling for age, gender, education and other risk factors, odds ratios (ORs) were significantly reduced in those with medium (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.45-0.79) and high activity levels (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.46-0.84). A stronger association was shown for productive activity (OR = 0.36), than for physical (OR = 0.78) and social activities (OR = 0.85). These associations showed statistically significant interactions with APOE genotype, being more pronounced in those with the APOE-epsilon 4 allele. Increased leisure activity, especially productive activities more than physical or social activities, was associated with a lowered risk of cognitive decline. APOE-epsilon 4 genotype individuals appeared to be more vulnerable to the effects of low and high levels of leisure activities.

Nutrient intake in community-dwelling adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa and in healthy adolescents

Adolescence is a common time for the onset of anorexia nervosa (AN), a condition associated with long-term medical and hormonal consequences. The objective was to compare the nutrient intakes of community-dwelling girls with AN with those of healthy adolescents and to describe the associations between specific nutrient intakes and nutritionally dependent hormones. Nutrient intakes in 39 community-dwelling girls with AN and 39 healthy adolescents aged 12.1-18.7 y were determined by using 4-d food records. Fasting adiponectin, leptin, ghrelin, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentrations were measured. Indirect calorimetry was used to assess respiratory quotient and resting energy expenditure. In contrast with the control group, the AN group consumed fewer calories from fats (P < 0.0001) and more from carbohydrates (P = 0.0009) and proteins (P < 0.0001). Intake of individual fat components was lower and of dietary fiber higher in the AN group. No significant between-group differences were observed in dietary intakes of calcium, zinc, and iron; however, total intake was greater in the AN group because of greater supplement use (P = 0.006, 0.02, and 0.01, respectively). The AN group had greater intakes of vitamins A, D, and K and of most of the B vitamins, and significantly more girls with AN met the Dietary Reference Intake for calcium (P = 0.01) and vitamin D (P = 0.02) from supplement use. Fat intake predicted ghrelin, insulin, and IGF-I concentrations; carbohydrate intake predicted adiponectin. Resting energy expenditure was lower (P < 0.0001) and leisure activity levels higher in the AN group. Despite outpatient follow-up, community-dwelling girls with AN continue to have lower fat and higher fiber intakes than do healthy adolescents, which results in lower calorie intakes. Nutritionally related hormones are associated with specific nutrient intakes.

A subjective outcome analysis of tendo-Achilles rupture

This clinical outcomes study examined factors affecting patient satisfaction after treatment of Achilles tendon rupture. There were 35 patients; 14 treated nonsurgically and 21 treated by open surgical repair. A retrospective chart review was performed to determine the mechanism and type of injury, the time to treatment, any comorbidities, and the length of follow-up. Patients completed a questionnaire that evaluated their pre- and postinjury activity levels, occupation, and overall satisfaction with their function by using a visual analogue scale. The mean follow-up was 2 years. Seventy percent were very satisfied with the outcome of treatment, with a mean visual analogue score of 8.4 of 10. Age, sex, and occupation did not have any significant influence on the satisfaction level. The dissatisfied group showed a significantly reduced postinjury leisure activity level (P =. 003). A delay in initiation of treatment had a significant negative impact on satisfaction (P = .015). Regression analysis showed that physiotherapy after treatment increased the postinjury activity level and the level of satisfaction (P = .034). There was no significant difference in the overall outcome between the surgical and nonsurgical groups.

Neighborhood Environment, Access to Places for Activity, and Leisure-Time Physical Activity in a Diverse North Carolina Population

To examine associations between perceived neighborhood characteristics, access to places for activity, and leisure-time physical activity. Cross-sectional telephone survey. Cabarrus, Henderson, Pitt, Robeson, Surry, and Wake counties in North Carolina. Population-based sample of 1796 adults at least 18 years of age residing in the six counties. The 133-item questionnaire assessed self-reported leisure-time physical activity and perceptions of neighborhood characteristics (sidewalks, trails, heavy traffic, streetlights, unattended dogs, and safety from crime) and general access to places for physical activity. Trails, streetlights, and access to places were positively associated with engaging in any leisure activity: unadjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]); 1.62 (1.09-2.41), 1.57 (1.14-2.17), and 2.94 (1.91-4.52), respectively. Trails and access to places were positively associated with engaging in the recommended amount of leisure activity: 1.49 (1.00-2.22), and 2.28 (1.30-4.00), respectively). In multivariable logistic regression modeling including environmental factors and demographics, access to places was associated with any activity (2.23 [1.44-3.44]) and recommended activity (2.15 [1.23-3.77]), and trails were associated with recommended activity (1.51 [1.00-2.28]). Certain neighborhood characteristics, particularly trails, and access to places for physical activity may be associated with leisure activity levels. In this study, perceived neighborhood environmental factors and access to places for physical activity were strongly associated with race, education, and income.

A German Research Program on the Psychosocial Adaptation to Age-Related Vision Impairment

The present paper argues that psychosocial adaptation in visually impaired older adults is substantially mediated by the use of control strategies. Our first research question against this general conceptual background is whether there are differences between visually impaired older adults and unimpaired older adults in control strategies or variables considered as major adaptational outcome variables in the behavioral and emotional domain. Our second research question addresses the kind of relations between control strategies and outcomes in visually impaired older adults. The findings are based on a sample of N = 90 visually impaired older adults (mean age: 79.5; 64 women, 26 men; all suffering from age-related macular degeneration; visual acuity less than 20/70) as well as a reference group of N = 35 unimpaired older adults. All participants underwent a standardized psychological assessment program based on internationally well-established measures. Findings support the notion that differences between the visually impaired and the unimpaired are most pronounced in behavioral indicators such as activities of daily living and leisure activity level, while control strategies were different in only one instance, pointing to a stronger tendency in visually impaired persons toward compensatory control efforts. Furthermore, selective control, which is investing time and effort to change one's environment, covaries most strongly with behavioral outcomes, while selective control aimed to strengthen the motivational commitment to important life goals covaries most strongly with emotional adaptation. The results generally illustrate the heuristic fruitfulness of psychological control theory in understanding adaptation in visually impaired older adults.

Backpack Use in Children

This article describes backpack use and incidence of back pain in children. A convenience sample of 345 children, grades five through eight, served as subjects. A written questionnaire was developed to gather information on demographics, leisure activity level, bag type, locker use, students' perceptions of bag weight and comfort, and students' reports of history of back pain. Scales were provided for students to weigh themselves with and without backpacks. Younger children carried proportionally greater backpack loads. Percentage of body weight by grade was as follows: fifth grade = 19%, sixth grade = 21%, seventh grade = 14%, and eighth grade = 15% body weight. Fifty-five percent of all subjects carried a load greater than 15% of their body weight, and one third of students reported a history of back pain. Percentage of body weight carried, however, was not significantly related to history of back pain. Concerns raised by parents and professionals that children are carrying heavy loads are justified; however, the relationship between heavy carrying load and back pain needs further elucidation. Recommendations for physical therapy, backpack safety, and injury prevention are provided.