Influence of Leisure Activity Participation Between Genders Among Korean Older Adults

摘要

The current study examined and compared the effect of male and female older adults' participation level in leisure activities on their perceived health status, psychological well-being, levels of depression, levels of loneliness, and successful aging. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Study participants comprised 197 older adults (women: n = 108, men: n = 89) ages 65 and older who were living in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Measures were the perceived health status scale, Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form-Korea, psychological well-being scale, loneliness scale, and successful aging scale. Based on level of participation in leisure activities, male older adults experienced a significant difference in perceived health status and loneliness. Female older adults experienced a significant difference in psychological well-being and successful aging. Health professionals should encourage higher participation in leisure activities to improve psychological well-being and successful aging of older adults.