Late-Life Leisure Constraints Among Malaysian Elderly: A Qualitative Approach
- Author:
Minhat HS
;
Mohd Amin R
;
Shamsuddin K
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Leisure participation;
constraints;
elderly;
Malaysia
- From:Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine
2012;12(2):24-30
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Leisure involvement is an essential element in the daily life of the elderly people. Little is known, however, about the perceived leisure constraints among them, especially among the increasing elderly population in Malaysia. This study aims to explore constraints perceived by the elderly that prevent them from actively involved in leisure. In depth interviews were conducted, involving a total of 20 elderly aged 60 years and above with stratification by background characteristics. Each interview was conducted for an average of 15 to 30 minutes and discontinued when a saturation point was achieved. They were purposively selected from two health clinics located in two different districts in the state of Selangor, representing an urban and a rural area. Elderly participation in leisure activities was constrained by many factors. These factors can be divided into individual, family and community factors such as increasing age and related physical deterioration , education level, health status and the existence of chronic illness, absence of family member or friends to perform the activity together and non-conducive environment. The constraints should be endorsed and acknowledged by the relevant agencies and authorities in order to facilitate effective implementation of related policies, strategies and programmes to improve the health of the elderly people. These include the provision of appropriate services and facilities to cater senior citizens from various health and demographic perspectives.
- Full text:P020150701337914291236.pdf
