Continuity Theory of Ageing and Leisure Participation among Elderly Attending Selected Health Clinics in Selangor
- Author:
Minhat HS
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
The International Medical Journal Malaysia
2013;12(2):51-58
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Leisure participation in old age is often a continuation of their participation at younger age.
This study aims to explore the association between current and former leisure participation of the elderly.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 268 persons aged 60 years and above, purposively
selected from eight health clinics in Selangor. Current leisure participation was measured using a validated Leisure
Participation Questionnaire (LPQ), specific for Malaysian elderly. The LPQ consists of 25 activities,
categorized into recreational (physical), cognitive, social and productive activity. Frequency of participation in
each activity was measured on a 6-point scale. Leisure participation at younger age only involved their general
participation in leisure. The most common daily leisure activities were having conversations while
relaxing (78.7%) and watching television (74.6%), while the least were from playing golf (0.01±0.12) and
performing musical instruments (0.04±0.36). More than half (64.9%) reported being actively involved in any leisure
activity at younger age. Results: The study found there was a significant association between former and
current leisure participation, especially for cognitive (t=-2.45, p=0.015), social (t=-2.68, p=0.008) and
productive (t=-2.89, p=0.004) activities. However, only productive activity involvement was predicted by their
leisure participation while younger (B=1.304, p=0.027). Conclusion: The findings suggest the importance of
considering active intervention programmes at younger age to ensure better leisure participation of the elderly,
especially in recreational physical activity.
