THE PATTERN OF CHANGE IN LEISURE ACTIVITY BEHAVIOR AMONG OLDER ADULTSWITH ARTHRITIS

This study employed a ''ceasing participation'' framework to examine c hanging leisure activity patterns. Respondents of the Living With Arth ritis project were classified into four participation pattern categori es. Results confirmed that elder adults with arthritis are more likely to experience changes to their activity regimen than older adults wit hout arthritis. a multi-group discriminant function analysis showed th at arthritis severity distinguished those who tend to cease activity, Social network and age best distinguished those who quit activities wi thout replacement. Results are placed in the context of coping strateg ies. Those who do not replace forfeited activities with other activiti es are least flexible in their response to their chronic condition and face challenges to their well-being.