engleski

More is more : Leisure activities and well-being of seniors

The population of elderly is growing continuously, stimulating many countries to put additional effort not only into providing efficient health care, but also in various programs for improving quality of life of older citizens. Elderly citizens usually have more free time than other adults and therefore it is extremely important to explore possibilities of engaging seniors into various activities that would contribute to their well-being. This study is a part of CRO-WELL project: longitudinal research on well-being in Croatia. The aim of the current study was to analyze subjective well-being and leisure activities of elderly in Croatia: (1) to assess overall level of self-rated life satisfaction and happiness and (2) to examine possible differences in well-being indicators in relation to recent engagement in various leisure-time activities. Research was conducted online, while participation was voluntary and anonymity was secured. From the total pool of participants we selected those born in 1956 or earlier (N=169). In this group age range was 60 to 85 years, with mean age 64.8±4.63. The sample consisted of 60% of women. We assessed satisfaction with life and happiness via 11 points (0-10) Likert scales where participants rated levels of their overall life satisfaction and general feeling of happiness. Additionally, we assessed if participant, during the last year started a new activity (e.g. hobby, course), enrolled into an association or a club, went to a touristic travel, went to winter or summer holidays, engaged in a humanitarian work or volunteering ; and got a pet. Demographical variables and health status were also acquired. Overall life satisfaction (M=6.9±2.33) and happiness (M=6.8±2.34) of senior citizens were not different from the rest of the sample, producing almost 2 points above theoretical average (Mt=5). No significant differences in well-being were found regarding age or gender. Participants who experienced health related problems reported lower levels of wellbeing. However, participants who were engaged in more leisure activities reported higher levels of well-being, and this was confirmed for seniors who reported certain health related problems, and those who didn’t. Furthermore, those who engaged in at least one of assessed free times activities during the previous year were 2.5 times more likely to start a new friendship in the same period (50% versus 20%). This study indicated that engaging in leisure activities in later life may provide beneficial effects for well-being of seniors.

well-being, seniors, leisure activities

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