Does the self-reported playfulness of older adults influence their wellbeing? An exploratory study

Abstract

Aim: Older adults represent a growing demographic in Australia who are at an increased risk of isolation, loneliness, and experiencing poorer overall health. Thus, the need for understanding factors that influence older adults’ wellbeing is important. Emergent research into adult playfulness has shown positive associations with indicators of wellbeing, but limited research has been conducted in older adults (60+). This study investigated whether types of playfulness present in Australian older adults (60+) were predictive of their wellbeing.

Method: An online survey was administered (n = 123) using the Other-directed, Light-hearted, Intellectual, Whimsical (OLIW) Playfulness Scale and the PERMA-Profiler wellbeing measure to explore playfulness types and its influence on self-reported wellbeing. Multiple linear regression analysis with bootstrapping was completed to determine if any significant relationships between OLIW and PERMA-Profiler subscales existed.

Results: Playfulness was a significant predictor of wellbeing. The OLIW Other-directed subscale (enjoyment of others, using playfulness in tense situations) was the greatest predictor of PERMA-Profiler subscales with OLIW Intellectual and Whimsical subscales making smaller contributions.

Conclusion/implications: Playfulness was shown to be a significant contributor to wellbeing in older adults and should be used as a part of occupational therapy intervention, especially when considering social activities.

Keywords:

• Human occupation
• mental health
• OLIW
• PERMA-Profiler
• play
• playful
• quality of life

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Rene Proyer, Julie Butler and Margaret Kern for providing permission for use of their instruments, the OLIW & PERMA-Profiler, within this study. We would also like to thank all who participated for providing their time and insight.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This study was completed as part of the first authors Honours degree and was supported by the University of South Australia. No other funding was received.