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 positive ly related to an individual's physical well-being and overall life sat isfaction, but has generally neglected its relationship to psychologic al well-being and depression. Older adults are most susceptible to dec lines in these psychological states because of the losses typically as sociated with the aging process. Therefore, in this paper, the relatio nships between leisure activity participation and psychological well-b eing and depression are examined for older adults. Participation in pa ssive leisure activities (television viewing and hobbies and crafts), social leisure activities (visiting friends and participation in socia l clubs and organisations), and physically active pursuits (walking fo r exercise and swimming) was assessed for its affect on both the psych ological well-being and depression of individuals over the age of 55. These relationships are further examined within the context of sex, ag e, 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 sym ptoms among all older adults regardless of sex, age, and marital statu s. A greater diversity of leisure activities also appeared to be assoc iated with higher psychological well-being and lower depressive sympto ms. Overall, the findings suggest that leisure activities with the qua lities best able to provide opportunities for freedom of choice, self- expression, and creativity are most likely to bring about higher psych ological well-being and lower depression among older adults.