Social Leisure Activities Research Articles

Effects on leisure activities and social participation of a case management intervention for frail older people living at home: a randomised controlled trial.

Frailty causes disability and restrictions on older people's ability to engage in leisure activities and for social participation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 1-year case management intervention for frail older people living at home in Sweden in terms of social participation and leisure activities. The study was a randomised controlled trial with repeated follow-ups. The sample (n=153) was consecutively and randomly assigned to intervention (n=80) or control groups (n=73). The intervention group received monthly home visits over the course of a year by nurses and physiotherapists working as case managers, using a multifactorial preventive approach. Data collections on social participation, leisure activities and rating of important leisure activities were performed at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12months, with recruitment between October 2006 and April 2011. The results did not show any differences in favour of the intervention on social participation. However, the intervention group performed leisure activities in general, and important physical leisure activities, to a greater extent than the control group at the 3-month follow-up (median 13 vs. 11, P=0.034 and median 3 vs. 3, P=0.031 respectively). A statistically significantly greater proportion of participants from the intervention group had an increased or unchanged number of important social leisure activities that they performed for the periods from baseline to 3months (93.2% vs. 75.4%, OR=4.48, 95% CI: 1.37-14.58). Even though statistically significant findings in favour of the intervention were found, more research on activity-focused case management interventions is needed to achieve clear effects on social participation and leisure activities.

A study on the participation and continuity intention of leisure activities of the elderly

본 연구는 노인들의 주요 여가활동 유형을 분석하고, 특히 지속적 의도를 갖는 노인들의 인구통계적 변수에 대한 특성을 분석함으로서 보다 만족할 수 있는 노후생활을 유도하고자 실시하였다. 분석결과를 요약하면, 첫째, 생활만족수준과 관련하여 건강상태, 경제상태, 사회⋅여가⋅문화활동 및 친구 및 지역사회 등의 생활만족도가 높을 때, 여가활동을 지속하는 의도가 높아진다. 둘째, 노인의 여가활동에 영향을 주는 요인은 여성노인이면서, 배우자가 없을때, 배우자가 있을 때는 관계만족도가 높을 때, 그리고 경제상태가 높을수록 독립적 여가활동에 참가할 가능성이 높다. 셋째, 노인의 여가활동에 영향을 미치는 요인으로 사회⋅여가⋅문화활동 만족도, 친구/지역사회 관계만족수준이 높을수록 사회적 여가활동에 참가할 가능성이 높다. 넷째, 여가활동 지속의도에 대한 인구통계적 특성의 차이분석에서는 성별의 경우 남성이, 연령의 경우 65-69세, 배우자유무의 경우 배우자가 있는 경우, 취업여부의 경우 취업중인 경우, 가구형태의 경우 노인부부인 경우, 현재생활만족도의 경우 만족도가 높은 경우, 여행경험이 있는 노인이 여가활동 지속의도가 높은 것으로 분석되었다.

Speech, Voice, and Communication.

Communication changes are an important feature of Parkinson's and include both motor and nonmotor features. This chapter will cover briefly the motor features affecting speech production and voice function before focusing on the nonmotor aspects. A description of the difficulties experienced by people with Parkinson's when trying to communicate effectively is presented along with some of the assessment tools and therapists' treatment options. The idea of clinical heterogeneity of PD and subtyping patients with different communication problems is explored and suggestions are made on how this may influence clinicians' treatment methods and choices so as to provide personalized therapy programmes. The importance of encouraging and supporting people to maintain social networks, employment, and leisure activities is stated as the key to achieving sustainability. Finally looking into the future, the emergence of new technologies is seen as providing further possibilities to support therapists in the goal of helping people with Parkinson's to maintain good communication skills throughout the course of the disease.

Gender Differences in Longitudinal Trajectories of Change in Physical, Social, and Cognitive/Sedentary Leisure Activities.

We examined changes in participation in cognitive, social, and physical leisure activities across middle and older adulthood and tested moderation of trajectories of change in participation by gender. In all, 1,398 participants in the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (SATSA) completed a 7-item leisure activity questionnaire up to 4 times over 17 years. Mean baseline age was 64.9 years (range = 36-91); 59% were women. Factor analysis identified physical, social, and cognitive/sedentary leisure activity participation factors. Age-based latent growth curve models adjusted for marital status, gender, education, depressive symptoms, and physical health were used. Overall, results indicated stability in social activities, increase in cognitive/sedentary activities, and decrease in physical activities, as well as accelerated decline in all three types of activities after about the age of 70 years. Social activity remained mostly stable for women and declined for men. Women reported higher levels of cognitive/sedentary leisure activity across the study. Both men and women declined in physical leisure activity. Variance in leisure activities increased with age; men demonstrated more variance in social activities and women in physical activities. Understanding change in leisure activities with age and by gender can have important implications for interventions and for use of leisure activity data in epidemiological research.

Leisure activities are linked to mental health benefits by providing time structure: comparing employed, unemployed and homemakers

BackgroundUnemployment has consistently been linked to negative mental health outcomes, emphasising the need to characterise the underlying mechanisms. The current study aimed at testing whether compared with other employment groups,...

Socio-demographics, spirituality, and quality of life among community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults: A structural equation model

PurposeThe increasing life expectancy of the population prompts an array of health conditions that impair an older adults’ quality of life (QoL). Although demographics and spirituality have been associated with QoL, limited literature elucidated the exact mechanisms of their interactions, especially in a culturally-diverse country like Philippines. Hence, this study determined the relationship among socio-demographics, spirituality, and QoL of Filipino older adults in a community and institutional setting. Materials and methodsA predictive-correlational study among 200 randomly-selected community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults was conducted, with a 99% power and a medium effect size. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire from September to November 2015. The questionnaire was composed of the robotfoto, Spirituality Assessment Scale, and modified Older People’s Quality of Life which assessed socio-demographics, spirituality, and QoL. ResultsAnalysis showed that institutionalization in a nursing home positively and negatively affected spirituality and QoL, generating an acceptable model (χ2/df=2.12, RMSEA=0.08, and CFI=0.95). The negative direct effect of institutionalization on social relationship, leisure, & social activities QoL (β=–0.42, p<0.01) also initiates a cascade of indirect negative effects on both spirituality and QoL dimensions. ConclusionsThe development of a structural model illustrating the interrelationship of socio-demographics, spirituality, and QoL helps healthcare professionals in predicting facets of spirituality and QoL that can be compromised by living in a nursing home. This understanding provides impetus in evaluating and refining geriatric healthcare programs, policies, and protocols to render individualized, holistic care in a socially-cohesive environment among older adults.

Predictors of social leisure activities in older Europeans with and without multimorbidity.

Older people spend much time participating in leisure activities, such as taking part in organized activities and going out, but the extent of participation may differ according to both individual and environmental resources available. Chronic health problems become more prevalent at higher ages and likely necessitate tapping different resources to maintain social participation. This paper compares predictors of participation in social leisure activities between older people with and those without multimorbidity. The European Project on Osteoarthritis (EPOSA) was conducted in Germany, UK, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain and Sweden (N = 2942, mean age 74.2 (5.2)). Multivariate regression was used to predict social leisure participation and degree of participation in people with and without multimorbidity. Fewer older people with multimorbidity participated in social leisure activities (90.6 %), compared to those without multimorbidity (93.9 %). The frequency of participation was also lower compared to people without multimorbidity. Higher socioeconomic status, widowhood, a larger network of friends, volunteering, transportation possibilities and having fewer depressive symptoms were important for (the degree of) social leisure participation. Statistically significant differences between the multimorbidity groups were observed for volunteering and driving a car, which were more important predictors of participation in those with multimorbidity. In contrast, self-reported income appeared more important for those without multimorbidity, compared to those who had multimorbidity. Policies focusing on social (network of friends), physical (physical performance) and psychological factors (depressive symptoms) and on transportation possibilities are recommended to enable all older people to participate in social leisure activities.

Evaluation of facilitative factors for preventing cognitive decline: A 3-year cohort study of community intervention.

We conducted a cohort study to elucidate paticipants' facilitative factors that may help to prevent cognitive decline. This study followed 100 participants (average age: 74.1 ± 5.8; 10 men, 90 women) for 3 years; participants had previously been part of the Taketoyo Project (n = 366) in 2007-2011. The end-point was defined as reduced cognitive function in elderly community residents participating in a preventive intervention for dementia. The presence or absence of reduced cognitive function at the end of the third year of intervention was the dependent variable, and all evaluation items were considered explanatory variables. After Fisher's exact test (P < 0.15), stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis (P < 0.05) was performed, and facilitative factors for prevention of cognitive decline were extracted. Items with a significant adjusted odds ratio (OR) based on multiple logistic regression analysis were the three-word delayed recall test (OR: 0.330, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.142-0.767; P < 0.05), word fluency (OR: 0.565, 95%CI: 0.359-0.891; P < 0.05), frequency of going out (OR: 2.790, 95%CI: 0.803-6.380; P < 0.05) and number of friends with whom they engaged in activities (OR:0.344, 95%CI: 0.127-0.932; P < 0.05). Subjects who had maintained a certain level of cognitive function, engaged in activities with friends, and went out frequently at baseline were extracted. In other words, the results suggested that enhancement of social networks and leisure activities prompted by recreational centre participation had a positive effect on maintaining cognitive function. The results also suggest that to improve the effectiveness of preventive interventions for cognitive dysfunction, support for social factors and leisure activities, in addition to cognitive function, may improve the long-term effectiveness of maintaining cognitive function.

Acculturating into the Canadian society: a case of Karen refugees

ABSTRACTThis exploratory study examined acculturation strategies of Karen refugees who resettled in London, Ontario, Canada after initially being displaced from their villages in Burma and subsequently settled in refugee camps on the Thailand–Burma border. Developing and utilising Karen acculturation measure, the study found that Karen refugees had diverse orientations regarding customs and values, social relations, and leisure activities. The analysis grouped acculturation strategies of these individuals into three segments: segregation, integration, and assimilation. Karens adopting assimilation strategy overwhelmingly endorsed Canadian values and customs and engaged in social relations and leisure activities with members of Canadian society. While open to change and willing to experiment with new leisure activities and social relations, Karens in the integration strategy cluster preserved their values and customs. Karens adopting segregation strategies clung to their old ways of life, values, and practices.

A Qualitative Study of Client–Clinician Text Exchanges in a Mobile Health Intervention for Individuals With Psychotic Disorders and Substance Use

abstractObjective: Mobile health (mHealth) approaches have the potential to transform prevention, wellness, and illness management for people with dual diagnosis consisting of co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders by providing timely and cost-effective interventions in clients' natural environments. However, little is known about how clients interact with mHealth interventions to manage their illness. This qualitative study explored the content of mobile phone text messages between clients with dual diagnosis and a clinician who engaged them in daily assessment and intervention text exchanges. Methods: Seventeen participants with psychotic disorders and substance use were enrolled in a 12-week single-arm trial of an mHealth intervention focusing on illness management. The clinician (i.e., mobile interventionist) sent daily text messages to participants' privately owned mobile phones to assess their medication adherence and clinical status. The clinician provided other illness management and wellness suggestions flexibly, in response to participants' needs and preferences. In this qualitative study we conducted a thematic analysis of the client–clinician text exchanges that occurred over the course of the intervention. Results: Seven major content themes in client–clinician text message exchanges were identified: mental health symptoms; mental health coping strategies; mental health treatment and management; lifestyle behaviors; social relationships and leisure activities; motivation and personal goal setting; and independent living. Participants were interested in discussing strategies for coping with mental health symptoms (e.g., cognitive restructuring, social support) and health behavior change (e.g., increased physical activity, dietary changes). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that client-centered text messaging has the potential to be an important component of illness management for people with dual diagnosis. This approach is able to offer coping strategies that are tailored to clients' needs and preferences in real time when help is needed.

Leisure Activities in Unemployed Emerging Adults: Links to Career Adaptability and Subjective Well‐Being

The present study examined if frequency and quality of 3 types of leisure activities (i.e., relaxation, achievement, and social) can function as protective factors for subjective well‐being (SWB) and career adaptability (CA) among 184 unemployed emerging adults (84 women, 100 men). Participants responded to measures of leisure frequency and quality, SWB, and CA. The results of a multivariate analysis of variance indicated that the frequency of relaxation, achievement, and social leisure activities had no effect on SWB and CA. However, regression analyses indicated that the quality of social leisure activities significantly predicted SWB and the quality of achievement and social leisure activities significantly predicted CA. The quality of relaxation leisure activities was not associated with SWB and CA. Findings indicate that counselors who work with unemployed emerging adults can use leisure activities to promote SWB and CA. Future research to better understand the role of leisure in well‐being and career development among emerging adults is encouraged.

Global Quality of Life After Curative Treatment for Prostate Cancer: What Matters? A Study Among Members of the Norwegian Prostate Cancer Patient Association

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to identify factors that are associated with quality of life (QoL) in relapse-free patients after radical prostatectomy or high-dose radiotherapy with or without hormone treatment. Patients and MethodsA cross-sectional postal survey among members of the Norwegian Prostate Cancer Patient Association was used. We analyzed associations between QoL and general health, “typical” adverse effects (sexual, urinary, and bowel assessed using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Composite items) and psychosocial variables (work ability, family life, social life and/or leisure activities) in univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Statistical significance was defined as P < .01. ResultsAmong 612 responders (approximately 50% compliance; median age, 70 years), in univariate analyses QoL was significantly associated with functional aspects and the level of bother within the sexual, urinary, and bowel domains and with general health and psychosocial aspects of daily life. In the multivariate analysis only general health and social life and/or leisure activities remained associated with QoL, with work ability being a third factor in patients younger than 65 years old. Posttreatment worsening of partnership was reported by 12% of the patients. ConclusionProstate cancer patients who are to undergo curative treatment should be informed about the risk of reduced function within the sexual, urinary, and bowel domains, but also about these dysfunctions' relation to bother and QoL, considered together with the patients' general health and their preferences as to their social life activities.

Reliability of a computer and Internet survey (Computer User Profile) used by adults with and without traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Purpose: To determine test–re-test reliability of the ‘Computer User Profile’ (CUP) in people with and without TBI.Method: The CUP was administered on two occasions to people with and without TBI. The CUP investigated the nature and frequency of participants’ computer and Internet use. Intra-class correlation coefficients and kappa coefficients were conducted to measure reliability of individual CUP items. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize content of responses.Results: Sixteen adults with TBI and 40 adults without TBI were included in the study. All participants were reliable in reporting demographic information, frequency of social communication and leisure activities and computer/Internet habits and usage. Adults with TBI were reliable in 77% of their responses to survey items. Adults without TBI were reliable in 88% of their responses to survey items.Conclusions: The CUP was practical and valuable in capturing information about social, leisure, communication and computer/Internet habits of people with and without TBI. Adults without TBI scored more items with satisfactory reliability overall in their surveys. Future studies may include larger samples and could also include an exploration of how people with/without TBI use other digital communication technologies. This may provide further information on determining technology readiness for people with TBI in therapy programmes.

Quality of life of institutionalized older adults by dementia severity.

The goal of the study was to analyze the factors associated with quality of life (QoL) in institutionalized older adults with dementia, based on self and proxy ratings, and if these characteristics differ by dementia severity. Cross-sectional study of 525 people with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers (professional or family caregivers). Two different QoL questionnaires, leading to three measures, were used: QoL in Alzheimer's disease scale (QOL-AD), self and proxy-rated, and QoL in late-stage dementia scale (QUALID), proxy-rated. Multivariate linear regression models were tested for each QoL measure and for mild/moderate and severe stages of dementia. Multiple regression analyses showed a significant association between the three QoL measures and depression. Functional ability was significantly associated with QoL when assessed by proxy. Other factors such as education level, leisure activities and frequency of visits were significantly related with QOL-AD by proxy. The associated factors that differed by dementia severity were education level for moderate dementia, and frequency of visits and who answered the questionnaire (professional vs. family member) for severe dementia. QoL was consistently associated with depressive symptoms independently of the measures as well as functional ability and social leisure activities when the QoL questionnaire was rated by proxy. Treating depressive symptoms, increasing social activities and maintaining the functional ability may decrease the deterioration of QoL in institutionalized older adults with dementia.

Delayed sleep phase disorder risk is associated with absenteeism and impaired functioning

Study objectivesThe absence of a screening questionnaire for delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD) remains a barrier to its detection and subsequent clinical evaluation. We developed a questionnaire to screen for DSPD risk and assessed its impact on self-reported absenteeism and functioning in work/school, social, and family life. DesignCross-sectional, with 13,844 individuals responding to a survey through an Internet survey provider, from which 1315 completed surveys were obtained from eligible participants. ParticipantsA total of 1315 individuals who self-identified as evening type (n=979) or as non-evening type (n=356). Measurements and resultsA total of 295 participants were at high risk for DSPD, which is 5.1% of the total eligible survey respondents and 22.4% of our final sample with completed surveys. Compared to those who were not at high risk for DSPD, those who were at high risk were more likely to report frequent absenteeism, frequent loss of productivity, disruption to work or school activities, disruption to social life or leisure activities, and disruption to family life or home responsibilities. Difficulty with daytime sleepiness was more common in those at high risk for DSPD than those who were not. Increased sleep deficit on nights before school or work was also associated with more frequent difficulties with daytime sleepiness; 15.4% of those with no sleep deficit reported always or usually having difficulties with daytime sleepiness compared to 55.7% of those with a sleep deficit of 3hours or more. ConclusionsDSPD risk is associated with increased absenteeism and impaired functioning in work/school, social, and family life.

Четверть века после “бархатной революции”: как живете, словаки?

The article considers changes in most important areas of Slovak society after 1989: dynamics of social stratification, family values, religiosity, leisure activities, voting behavior and preferences, democratic participation. The aim is to examine the contemporary position of Slovakia between the East and the West European civilization systems after two waves of social transformation in the middle and at the end of the 20th century, considering the accelerated change of the underdeveloped agrarian social structure into the industrial type under the "real socialism". However, at the beginning of the 21st century Slovak settlements still retain a strong rural character. As a result of market reforms and westernization a large part of the countryside tremble in the balance, processes of depopulation and formation of excluded social groups take place especially in small municipalities. Further still, in the context of increasing migration from cities to countryside more and more rural patterns of thinking extend to urban environments. The primarily important urban-rural line of societal differentiation, perceptions, attitudes and voters decision-making process are analyzed on base of Slovak sociologists' research. They discovered the phenomenon of historic “embedding” of the party type gaining the voters' support and commitment to one-party system, starting from the Inter-War Period till present. Slovakia represents the case of the weak left-right party profiling and inclination to various “parties of collective identity”. Definitive significance of ethnicity and religion as divisions in mass political orientations, traditionally characterized by the emphasis on leftist orientations, social rights and value of nation are shown in the paper. According to results of the latest socio-empiric studies in the country, most people in Slovakia (mainly the so called “loosers”) did not adopt neoliberal, Western-type path of development, regarding the existing inequalities as too large, and preferring social equality in a society of poor to social differentiation in a society of abundance. Social rights are estimated by the majority of Slovak people higher than political rights now.

Leisure in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review is to describe participation in social and physical leisure activities among children and adolescents with JIA, as well as identify potential determinants of leisure participation.MethodsElectronic databases were systematically searched for articles published up until June 2013 pertaining to participation in leisure activities among youth with JIA and other rheumatic diseases. Studies were included if they measured involvement in either social or physical leisure activities. Selection and quality appraisal of articles were completed independently by two authors.ResultsEight hundred and ninety-three articles were found through electronic and reference search. One hundred and nine full articles were reviewed to assess for eligibility. Twelve articles met inclusion criteria and findings were reviewed. Most focused on describing participation in physical rather than social activities. Results suggest that youth with JIA participated less in both social and physical leisure activities as compared to healthy peers, and those with JIA did not meet national recommendations for physical activity. Potential determinants of leisure participation were socio-demographic (age, sex), anthropometric (height, weight) and disease-related (JIA subtype, disease duration, pain, number of swollen or painful joints, stiffness, fatigue, well-being) factors.ConclusionCharacterization of leisure activity remains limited and mostly focused on physical activity in JIA. Assessment of more comprehensive outcome measures is warranted to obtain a better description of leisure in this population. Evidence of the influence of contextual factors as potential determinants of involvement in leisure among children with pediatric rheumatologic diseases is needed.

Components of late-life exercise and cognitive function: an 8-year longitudinal study.

The preventive effect of late-life physical exercise on cognitive deterioration has been reported in many cohort studies. However, the effect of exercise, independent of other cognitively demanding and social activities, is equivocal and little is known about the relative contributions of frequency, intensity, and duration of exercise. This study aimed to examine the relationships of exercise and its underlying components with cognitive function and rate of cognitive change over an 8-year period in a nationally representative sample of older Taiwanese. Data from the 1999, 2003, and 2007 phases of the nationwide longitudinal survey were used. Data from a fixed cohort of 1,268 participants aged 70 years or older in 1999 with 8 years of follow-up were analyzed. Cognitive function was assessed using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. Self-reported frequency, intensity, and duration of exercise were collected. A generalized estimating equation with multivariate adjustment for sociodemographic variables, cognitive and social leisure activities, lifestyle behaviors, and health status was calculated. Participants who were physically active during leisure time had better subsequent cognitive function (incident rate ratios [IRR] = 0.63; 95 % CI, 0.54-0.75) and a slower rate of cognitive decline (p = 0.01). Among the components of exercise, only duration emerged as a predictor of cognitive function (p = 0.01). Older adults engaging in exercise for at least 30 min or more per session are likely to reduce the risk of subsequent cognitive decline. This research supports the case for physical exercise programs for older adults in order to help prevent loss of cognitive function.

A Human Well-Being Perspective to the Measurement of Quality of Life: Findings From the City of Delhi

This study employs Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach to assess the quality of life of people in Delhi. Despite recording the highest per capita income in the country, Delhi remains a city-state of many inequalities causing huge disparities in the living conditions of the rich and the poor. Here I assess peoples’ perception of these disparities using five sets of well-being dimensions; psychological distress, social interactions and leisure activities, sheltering conditions, health status, and economic status & working conditions. Using a stratified random sample of 330 households (1,267 individuals aged atleast 18 years) and plurality of well-being dimensions, survey responses are quantified using fuzzy set theory, an approach designed to handle inexact and fuzzy outcomes. The results show that around 31 % of Delhi’s population is deprived of social interactions and leisure activities, over 25 % of people have very poor health status and around 14 % have very poor economic and working conditions. Education, in particular, is found to play an important role in improving the well-being of individuals. Higher levels of education are associated with higher levels of well-being achievement. The findings from this analysis should make a strong case for supplementing economic indicators with other indicators of well-being.

Successful Aging Among LGBT Older Adults: Physical and Mental Health-Related Quality of Life by Age Group.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people are a health disparate population as identified in Healthy People 2020. Yet, there has been limited attention to how LGBT older adults maintain successful aging despite the adversity they face. Utilizing a Resilience Framework, this study investigates the relationship between physical and mental health-related quality of life (QOL) and covariates by age group. A cross-sectional survey of LGBT adults aged 50 and older (N = 2,560) was conducted by Caring and Aging with Pride: The National Health, Aging, and Sexuality Study via collaborations with 11 sites across the U.S. Linear regression analyses tested specified relationships and moderating effects of age groups (aged 50-64; 65-79; 80 and older). Physical and mental health QOL were negatively associated with discrimination and chronic conditions and positively with social support, social network size, physical and leisure activities, substance nonuse, employment, income, and being male when controlling for age and other covariates. Mental health QOL was also positively associated with positive sense of sexual identity and negatively with sexual identity disclosure. Important differences by age group emerged and for the old-old age group the influence of discrimination was particularly salient. This is the first study to examine physical and mental health QOL, as an indicator of successful aging, among LGBT older adults. An understanding of the configuration of resources and risks by age group is important for the development of aging and health initiatives tailored for this growing population.