REMAINING ACTIVE IN LATER LIFE - THE ROLE OF LOCUS OF CONTROL IN SENIORS LEISURE ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION, HEALTH, AND LIFE SATISFACTION

Although the physical and psychological benefits of feeling in control are well-documented in the research literature, the mechanisms that a ccount for these effects have received less attention The present stud y was designed to examine the potential mediating role of exercising a nd participation in nonphysical leisure activities, such as attending cultural events, involvement in volunteer organizations, and so on, in the relation between perceived control and well-being in seniors. The results indicated that an internal locus of control was positively re lated to exercising and participation in leisure activities. Exercisin g and leisure activity participation, in turn, were predictive of bett er perceived health and greater life satisfaction. These findings poin t to the potential benefits of increasing seniors' sense of control as a means to promote exercising and to increase leisure activity partic ipation and, consequently, to enhance well-being.