Outdoor Leisure Research Articles

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT OF AFRICAN AMERICAN AND HISPANIC SEXUAL AND GENDER MINORITY OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Cognitive health of sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults with intersecting racial/ethnic minority identities is an under-researched topic. This research utilizes data from Aging with Pride: National Health Sexuality/Gender study to examine differences in health-promoting and risk factors for cognitive impairment among African American and Hispanic SGM older adults. Informed by the Health Equity Promotion Model, bivariate statistics and linear regression models were applied to better understand subgroup differences in cognitive impairment and risk and protective factors. Daily discrimination and identity stigma were positively associated with cognitive impairment for African American and Hispanic groups. Outdoor leisure was negatively associated with cognitive impairment for African Americans whereas social support was negatively associated with cognitive impairment for Hispanics. Analysis of gender differences revealed that African American men experienced significantly higher rates of identity stigma than African American women; however, the effect of identity stigma on cognitive impairment was stronger for African American women. Among Hispanics, women compared to men were significantly more vulnerable to the effects of daily discrimination and identity stigma on cognitive impairment. Regarding cognitive impairment, engaging in physical activity and outdoor leisure were significantly protective for African American men but not for women, whereas social support was significantly protective for both Hispanic men and women. These findings address a void in SGM aging research by examining racial/ethnic and gender differences in cognitive health. They highlight the need for intersectionality and subgroup differences in research to develop tailored interventions to improve cognitive health among racially/ethnically diverse SGM older adults.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY ENGAGEMENT PRIOR TO AND DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES

Abstract There is growing evidence regarding the benefits of spending time outdoors. However, it is less understood if the COVID-19 pandemic has deterred or increased older adults’ outdoor leisure activities when they reside in senior living communities. This study aimed to discover how the pandemic affects senior living community-residing older adults’ outdoor activities. Older adults 65 and older were recruited through ResearchMatch and university partnerships. A qualitative descriptive approach was taken with semi-structured individual interviews conducted over Microsoft Teams, telephone, or in-person. A conventional content analysis was employed. Interviews were conducted in 2021-2022 with 4 females and 3 males from suburban Pennsylvania. While there were indoor restrictions and regulations (e.g., mask wearing when around others), the outdoor environments were less regulated and routine outdoor activities continued during the pandemic. Facilitators to outdoor activities were: 1) senior living campus features (e.g., paved walking paths, outdoor recreational sport areas), 2) structured outdoor activities (e.g., bocce ball and golfing tournaments facilitated by staff), and 3) access to transportation (e.g., to drive or visit other locations). A barrier to outdoor activities was: needing assistance from staff to exit buildings due to decreased mobility. This study illuminates that amenities and structured activities at senior living facilities promoted mobility in outdoor activities for those who preferred going outside. Findings inform design features that encourage mobility and outdoor activities among older adults. Policy implications include supporting senior living communities with less resources for maintaining campuses and neighborhoods, which could contribute to promoting outdoor activities and health equity.

Outdoor leisure with dogs: an empirical evaluation of visiting shared outdoor leisure spaces in the UK

ABSTRACT This study examined visits to shared outdoor leisure spaces (SOLS) with dogs, such as parks, woodlands, and beaches in the UK. Based on past qualitative and descriptive data, hypotheses and a conceptual model were developed. An online survey of dog guardians (n = 602) was analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the impacts of human intrinsic motivation; dog well-being; the community benefit; and social bonding on the components of leisure involvement (attraction, centrality, and self-expression), and subsequently intention and visiting behavior in relation to SOLS. The results showed that human intrinsic motivation and community benefit had a positive impact on all aspects of leisure involvement, while dog well-being only affected attraction, and social bonding impacted centrality and self-expression. These findings contribute to a better understanding of dog guardians’ behavior of visiting SOLS in the UK, providing insights for stakeholders responsible for designing, managing, and promoting these spaces.

Constraints on outdoor leisure participation among Thai families with young children

ABSTRACTWhile outdoor leisure activities provide numerous health and wellness benefits, there has been a dramatic decrease in the time that young people spend in active outdoor play. As the outdoors are regarded as the primary tourism resource sustaining Thailand’s economy, it is important to conduct effective outdoor leisure program planning for a sustainable society. This study focused on family outdoor leisure as a significant influence on children’s outdoor opportunities, specified the outdoor leisure constraints on Thai parents with young children, and examined whether individuals from distinct profiles based on constraint patterns differ in the frequency of outdoor leisure participation. The study found five constraining factors affecting Thai parents: health and physical fitness, interpersonal, time commitment, facilities, and opportunity. Time and opportunity constraints were key factors affecting the frequency with which Thai families participated in outdoor leisure activities. Implications for outdoor leisure program planning and service provision are also discussed.

Outdoor therapy: Maverick or mainstream? A survey of clinical psychologists

ObjectiveTalking therapy can be highly effective when located outdoors. However, much of the previous research has centred around counselling and psychotherapy professions. This study aimed to explore the attitudes and experiences of clinical psychologists.DesignA cross-sectional survey was used to gain a broad perspective.Method215 participants completed the survey between August and October 2021. Efforts were made to ensure a varied and representative sample located across the UK and comprising mixed interests and experiences. The survey included measures of nature connection, experiences and attitudes towards outdoor practice, as well as variables underpinning The Theory of Planned Behaviour. Analysis included descriptive, correlational and multiple regression.ResultsThe findings outlined a marked increase in outdoor practice, with 34% (N = 74) having experienced outdoor working prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, whereas during the pandemic, this number had nearly doubled to 64% (N = 137). The majority held outdoor appointments in public parks (64%) and engaged in sitting (81%) or light walking (86%). The main reasons for offering therapy outdoors were client engagement and behavioural activation and the main barriers were confidentiality and access to outdoor spaces. Significant, positive predictors of outdoor practice included years qualified, nature connectedness, outdoor leisure time, instrumental attitudes, perceived norms, and self-efficacy.ConclusionThe findings reveal favourable attitudes and a growing community of clinical psychologists who practice outdoors.

How is the effect of social media on intention to outdoor recreations? A study using personal social connections as a moderator

Many researchers have identified positive effects of social media to improve recreation quality. At that time, more people recognized to be involved in social media have lower motivation for outdoor activities. Here we see two-way effects of social media, positive and negative, to participation of outdoor activities. In this study, a two-path model was built on the basis of value-expectation theory and motivation theory, and a moderating effect of social connection was considered. In this study, PLS technique (partial least square) was used to verified the model. Finally, this study finds that using social media for promoting outdoor leisure activities may have both positive and negative effects on the intention to participate. However, considering participants' social connections, engaging in social media can enhance the intention to participate in outdoor leisure activities, especially for those with high levels of social connections. In the post-pandemic era, where people have become accustomed to working from home or completing various tasks online, these research findings hold significant implications for promoting outdoor leisure activities in the post-pandemic era.

Deprivation, essential and non-essential activities and SARS-CoV-2 infection following the lifting of national public health restrictions in England and Wales.

Individuals living in deprived areas in England and Wales undertook essential activities more frequently and experienced higher rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection than less deprived communities during periods of restrictions aimed at controlling the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant. We aimed to understand whether these deprivation-related differences changed once restrictions were lifted. Among 11,231 adult Virus Watch Community Cohort Study participants multivariable logistic regressions were used to estimate the relationships between deprivation and self-reported activities and deprivation and infection (self-reported lateral flow or PCR tests and linkage to National Testing data and Second Generation Surveillance System (SGSS)) between August - December 2021, following the lifting of national public health restrictions. Those living in areas of greatest deprivation were more likely to undertake essential activities (leaving home for work (aOR 1.56 (1.33 - 1.83)), using public transport (aOR 1.33 (1.13 - 1.57)) but less likely to undertake non-essential activities (indoor hospitality (aOR 0.82 (0.70 - 0.96)), outdoor hospitality (aOR 0.56 (0.48 - 0.66)), indoor leisure (aOR 0.63 (0.54 - 0.74)), outdoor leisure (aOR 0.64 (0.46 - 0.88)), or visit a hairdresser (aOR 0.72 (0.61 - 0.85))). No statistical association was observed between deprivation and infection (P=0.5745), with those living in areas of greatest deprivation no more likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2 (aOR 1.25 (0.87 - 1.79). The lack of association between deprivation and infection is likely due to the increased engagement in non-essential activities among the least deprived balancing the increased work-related exposure among the most deprived. The differences in activities highlight stark disparities in an individuals' ability to choose how to limit infection exposure.

CONSUMER SATISFACTION TOWARDS DECATHLON PRODUCTS WITH REFERENCE TO SHIVAMOGGA CITY

Decathlon is a recognised sporting goods buy observed for its wide selection of high-quality and reasonably priced sports and outdoors gear. Decathlon, which has a global presence, offers a wide range of athletic gear, clothes, and equipment for a variety of activities such as cycling, running, swimming, hiking, and more. Their dedication to creativity and design guarantees that their goods appeal to both novice and experienced athletes. The in-house brands of Decathlon, include Quechua, Kalenji, and Domyos, are well-known for their durability and performance. Furthermore, the companys emphasis on durability and affordability make it an attractive option for anyone looking for eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions in the realm of athletic activities and outdoor leisure. This paper focuses on consumer satisfaction based on factors such has product quality, functionality, durability and performance in Shivamogga city. The focus of the study is to know impact of factors such as pricing, availability and customer service. KEYWORDS: Consumer service, Decathlon, price, and quality are some of the keywords.

A Qualitative Study on Leisure Benefits, Constraints, and Negotiations in Urban Parks Based on Perception of Chinese Older Adults

Urban parks, one of the most significant outdoor leisure areas, are particularly important for the physical and mental health of older adults. In order to investigate the benefits and constraints of leisure activities that older adults perceived in urban parks, as well as their negotiation mechanisms, this study was conducted using a qualitative method, interviewing 102 retired older adults aged 55 or older in Guangzhou, China, and using Rost CM 6.0 for word frequency analysis. The study findings indicated that due to the lack of age-friendly public leisure facilities in Guangzhou, Chinese older adults expressed multiple expectations regarding the benefits of urban parks, mainly in terms of physical, psychological, and social interaction, with physical benefits being their primary drivers. Leisure constraints can be intrapersonal, interpersonal, or structural. Older adults who visited parks and those who did not were affected by different levels of limitations, with the oldest people experiencing the most pronounced constraints. Older adults were able to access leisure opportunities through a variety of constraint negotiation strategies, including cognitive adaptability, spatiotemporal adaptation, interpersonal coordination, skill acquisition, and alternative leisure activities. The results of this study might assist related management departments in building more age-friendly parks based on the framework of the benefits and constraints of park recreation for older adults, in terms such as institutional design and planning to enhance the role of urban parks in healthy aging.

Associations of Positive and Negative Perceptions of Outdoor Artificial Light at Night with Nighttime Outdoor Behaviors and Health: Self-Reported Data Analyses on Urban and Suburban Residents in Japan

Nighttime light guarantees outdoor work, leisure, and other activities, and its convenience and security greatly improve the quality of human life. However, the negative effects of outdoor artificial light at night (ALAN) on humans are also being proven. This study aimed to examine the relationships between outdoor nighttime lighting and human behaviors (i.e., outdoor nighttime behaviors such as jogging and meeting friends) and health (i.e., physical and mental health, including sleep quality and stress) through how individuals feel about outdoor ALAN (i.e., ALAN perceptions) in their living environment. Two online questionnaire surveys were conducted among residents of Tokyo (Survey 1, N = 2000) and Tsukuba City (Survey 2, N = 500), Japan. Structural equation modeling results show that both positive and negative ALAN perceptions increase nighttime outdoor behavior in both surveys. In Survey 1, this association led to a deterioration in sleep quality and physical and mental health. The current findings contribute to understanding the controversial relationships between the pros and cons of nighttime light perceptions and behaviors and health. They also contribute to designing better nighttime lighting in outdoor public and private spaces with relevant restrictions by balancing the benefits and harms of outdoor ALAN.

Leisure Involvement, Leisure Benefits, and Subjective Well-Being of Bicycle Riders in an Urban Forest Park: The Moderation of Age

The prominence of participating in outdoor leisure activities has gained significance in individuals’ lives as a result of the rapid growth of the economy and the rise in available leisure time. The present study employed structural equation modeling to examine the relationships among leisure involvement, the three distinct dimensions of leisure benefits (physiological benefits, psychological benefits, and social benefits), and subjective well-being of bicycle riders. Moreover, the moderating effect of age was also investigated. A field survey was undertaken within an urban forest park, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, China, in order to gather data, resulting in the collection of 512 questionnaires that were deemed usable. The results suggest that leisure involvement has a significant and positive impact on bicycle riders’ physiological, psychological, and social benefits, as well as their overall subjective well-being. The subjective well-being of individuals is positively influenced by the physiological, psychological, and social benefits. Additionally, the results of the analysis on the moderating effects suggest that age significantly moderates the relationships between leisure involvement and leisure benefits. The present study also addresses the theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and potential avenues for future research.

Perceptions of local environment change and ecological habitus

ABSTRACT Research shows that people’s perceptions of environmental change are strong predictors of ecologically supportive behaviours and attitudes, but less is known about what causes some people to perceive environmental change more than others. This study considers whether participation in outdoor leisure activities accounts for different perceptions of the local environment. We consider how leisure activities form a broader ‘ecological habitus’ while also considering the role that education has in structuring perceptions and practice. We use survey data on perceptions of environmental change and use Principal Component Analysis and logistic regression to explore ecological habitus and the effect of leisure activities on environmental perceptions. Results show that outdoor leisure practices shape perceptions of local environment change and offer a continuum of ecological habitus ranging from appreciative to low resource outdoor leisure associated with varied perceptions of environment degradation. Education is a limited factor in predicting perceptions or explaining associations between leisure and environmental perceptions.

Association between intentional behavioral changes and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The enforcement of nationwide lockdowns and social distancing measures severely restricted behavior and led to increases in stress, anxiety, and depression during the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, contrary to expectations, studies show that well-being did not decrease significantly during the Pandemic. The present study examined whether intentional increases in alternative behaviors contributed to maintaining well-being. We predicted an increase in indoor activities as alternatives to outdoor activities and that these behavioral changes contribute to maintaining well-being. Focusing on leisure activities, transport mode, and working environments, we tested these predictions in an online survey of 1,000 participants (M = 40.4 years; SD = 10.9). The results demonstrated that the decrease in outdoor leisure activities (e.g., traveling and shopping), use of public transportation, and working at office led to a reduction in well-being. It was also demonstrated that the subsequent increase in indoor leisure activities (e.g., exercising at home and online shopping) and use of a private car led to an increase in well-being, which supported our predictions. These results suggest that increasing alternative behaviors can maintain overall well-being during pandemics. These findings highlight the significance of intentional behavioral changes in maintaining well-being during pandemics.

Equity, identity, and representation in outdoor recreation: ‘I am not an outdoors person’

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the recreational experiences of African American residents in Hillsborough County, Florida at varied levels: institutional, recreational, and personal. To investigate the intricacy of perceptions and experiences among African Americans in the context of outdoor recreation, the first author used qualitative methods to provide in-depth investigation into African American residents’ perceptions of recreation in Hillsborough County, Florida. Our analysis revealed four overarching themes: 1) Racialised Outdoor Leisure Identity, 2) Representation Matters, 3) Recreational Constraints and Opportunities, and 4) Equity in Leisure Experiences. The findings of this study add to the literatures on outdoor leisure identity and recreation of African Americans and their perceptions of outdoor identity, why representation matters, how safety constraints are negotiated, especially among women respondents, and of residents’ perceptions of equity within their parks.

Impact of Age and School Instruction Mode on Children's Occupations Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Survey Study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted participation in routines and daily activities. It is unclear how children reengaged in activities during the pandemic, particularly as a new school year began. Differences in school instruction mode (in person, hybrid, or remote) during the pandemic could further affect activity participation. To examine changes in sedentary and nonsedentary activity participation in children and to determine whether school instruction mode was associated with participation. Home-based survey of U.S. residents. Parents of 208 children (46.2% female) between ages 5 and 18 yr were surveyed at two waves: March through April 2020 and October 2020. Frequency of sedentary (indoor play, electronic device usage) and nonsedentary (outdoor play, leisure and extracurriculars) activity participation was observed. Descriptive and inferential statistics of the changes from Wave 1 to Wave 2 and linear regression were used to determine statistically significant variables associated with activity participation. Nonsedentary activity participation increased and sedentary activity decreased from Wave 1 to Wave 2. Instruction mode was statistically associated with nonsedentary, but not sedentary, participation. Negative mood, local COVID-19 severity, and household income were also associated with nonsedentary and sedentary participation. Children's participation in sedentary and nonsedentary activities normalized during the new school year; however, many factors likely contributed to these changes. What This Article Adds: Despite differences in school instruction mode and the influence of mental health early in the pandemic, children's nonsedentary activity participation increased. Occupational therapy practitioners can reinforce the importance of reengaging in activities and regular routines to promote health and well-being during challenging situations.

Assessing Comfort in High Altitude Mountaineering Spaces: The Case of Annapurna Conservation Area

Mountaineering, which has recently gained a lot of popularity, is an outdoor leisure activity that involves risk, challenges, and hardship. As mountains can be fairly dangerous owing to avalanches, rock falls, or extremely low temperatures, it can be a challenging activity. This study aims to develop a statistical modeling for examining thermal comfort to mountaineering activities that represents the mountaineers’ comfort of the place by integrating all of the relevant factors. Data were collected by questionnaire and in-situ microclimatic measurement and is statically analysed. The findings show that mountaineers’ comfort is dependent on environmental perception and environmental attitude while doing high altitude climbing activities at the Annapurna Base Camp. The education level of the mountaineers has significant impact toward comfort assessment and Female has significant impact on comfort assessment compared to male. These findings make important contribution to the leisure, outdoor leisure activities, and mountaineering literature.

Effect of Outdoor Leisure Activity Participation on Leisure Attitude, Serious Leisure, Recreational Specialization, and Leisure Satisfaction

Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a tendency for people to participate more frequently in outdoor leisure activities as opposed to indoor leisure activities. Leisure activities bestow various benefits. The purpose of this research is to study the effect of leisure attitude, serious leisure, recreational specialization, and leisure satisfaction among outdoor leisure activity participants in South Korea. Therefore, this research is used to analyze the relationships amongst leisure attitudes, serious leisure, recreational specialization, and leisure satisfaction among various theories about leisure. The participants in this study were collected from amongst 356 people who were frequent participants in outdoor leisure activities. For the data analysis, we used frequency, confirmatory analysis, reliability, correlation, and structural equaling modeling. The findings are as follows. First, leisure attitude had an influence on serious leisure and leisure satisfaction. Second, serious leisure had an effect on recreational specialization and leisure satisfaction. Third, recreational specialization had an influence on leisure satisfaction. According to the results of this study, leisure attitude and recreational specialization had insignificant effects, but all other hypotheses were accepted. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, it was various reasons such as, leisure attitude, serious leisure, recreational specialization, leisure satisfaction and which was continuous participation in outdoor leisure activities were confirmed in South Korea.

The influence of neighborhood built environment on school-age children's outdoor leisure activities and obesity: a case study of Shanghai central city in China.

The aim of this study was to examine the influencing pathways of the neighborhood built environment on children's outdoor leisure activities and obesity. A total of 378 elementary school students from 10 schools in central Shanghai were selected by a convenient sampling method for questionnaire survey and accelerometer tracking. 1) The neighborhood built environment could affect children's obesity not only through direct effect (β = 0.15, p < 0.05), but also through the mediating effect of outdoor leisure activities (β = 0.19, p < 0.05). 2) For boys, the neighborhood built environment could affect children's obesity not only through direct effect (β = 0.17, p < 0.05), but also through the mediating effect of outdoor leisure activities (β = 0.26, p < 0.05). For girls, the neighborhood built environment could affect children's obesity only through the mediating effect of outdoor leisure activities (β = 0.13, p < 0.05). The neighborhood built environment and outdoor leisure activities are important influencing factors in children's obesity. The neighborhood built environment and outdoor leisure activities could have direct and indirect effects on children's obesity, while there are gender differences in the influencing pathways of the neighborhood built environment on children's obesity. This study suggests that improving the neighborhood built environment and promoting outdoor leisure activities in children have important value for influencing children's obesity.

The impact of educational elements and psychological distance on family outdoor leisure experiences and environmental attitudes

ABSTRACT Nature-based tourism has increasingly attracted worldwide attention because of its usefulness not only in attracting tourists but also in terms of providing opportunities to raise public environmental awareness. In considerations of the contribution of tourism to environmental sustainability initiatives, there is a need for nature-based tourism marketers to develop programs aimed at fostering visitors’ environmental awareness. To promote useful nature-based tourism program planning, this study employed a web-based experimental design to investigate how psychological distance and the incorporation of educational elements into outdoor leisure activities affect the relationship between families’ outdoor leisure experiences and their environmental attitudes. The study shows that the leisure experience elements affecting conservation attitude vary in relation to psychological distance. It also points out the outdoor leisure program can be utilized to foster individuals’ conservation attitudes, whether or not it encompasses educational elements with proper leisure experience management.

Climate Suitability for Tourism in Romania Based on HCI: Urban Climate Index in the Near-Future Climate

This study presents an assessment of climate suitability for outdoor leisure activities in Romania using the Holliday Climate Index (HCI) for the near future (2021–2040), focusing on unfavorable and good climate conditions. The analysis employs data from an ensemble of model simulations in the context of RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios. The results indicate that the number of days with low weather suitability is decreasing in almost the entire country, especially during the warm season, while during the winter and spring, extended regions may be characterized by a higher number of days favorable for outdoor activities than during the current climate. An estimation of the impact of climate change on tourism flux in Romania is further carried out, suggesting that the increasing attractivity of climate conditions may lead to an increased number of tourist overnights in the near future, and this will be more pronounced in rural destinations.