AN EXAMINATION OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AND DEPRESSION AND LEISURE ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Previous research has suggested that leisure participation is positively related to an individual's physical well-being and overall life satisfaction, but has generally neglected its relationship to psychological well-being and depression. Older adults are most susceptible to declines in these psychological states because of the losses typically associated with the aging process. Therefore, in this paper, the relationships between leisure activity participation and psychological well-being and depression are examined for older adults. Participation in passive leisure activities (television viewing and hobbies and crafts), social leisure activities (visiting friends and participation in social clubs and organisations), and physically active pursuits (walking for exercise and swimming) was assessed for its affect on both the psychological well-being and depression of individuals over the age of 55. These relationships are further examined within the context of sex, age, and marital status to determine the role these factors may play in moderating the relationships. The results indicated that participation in hobbies and crafts and visiting friends was positively related to greater psychological well-being and to lower levels of depressive symptoms among all older adults regardless of sex, age, and marital status. A greater diversity of leisure activities also appeared to be associated with higher psychological well-being and lower depressive symptoms. Overall, the findings suggest that leisure activities with the qualities best able to provide opportunities for freedom of choice, self-expression, and creativity are most likely to bring about higher psychological well-being and lower depression among older adults.