The effects of leisure-time physical activity for optimism, life satisfaction, psychological well-being, and positive affect among older adults with loneliness

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) involvement among older adults suffering from loneliness. Using data released from the Health and Retirement Study in 2008, this study investigated how participation in LTPA leads to well-being such as optimism, life satisfaction, psychological well-being, and positive affect among older adults with loneliness. Results indicated that the LTPA involvement was a significant predictor of optimism, life satisfaction, positive affect, and psychological well-being for older adults with a high level of loneliness. The interesting findings of this study were that LTPA enhanced positive emotions for older adults with loneliness and that positive emotions are one of the important factors in protecting individuals from illnesses.

KEYWORDS:

• Leisure-time physical activity
• loneliness
• health

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Dr Junhyoung Kim is an assistant professor in the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Services Administration at Central Michigan University. He teaches therapeutic recreation courses and his research focuses on investigating the value of leisure activity as a stress coping mechanism among diverse groups such as older adults, immigrants, and individuals with disabilities.

Dr Sunwoo Lee is a research associate at the Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University in Olomouc, Czech Republic. Her research interest focuses on spiritual health, positive psychology, and quality of life among the elderly.

Dr Sanghee Chun is an associate professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock University. Sanghee's research has focused on two areas of study. She has examined posttraumatic growth and happiness for people with spinal cord injury. She possesses a keen interest of the role of meaningful leisure and volunteering in the daily lives of people with chronic illness and disabilities.

Dr Areum Han is a research professor in Center for Curriculum and Institute of Studies at Korea University in South Korea. She teaches leisure recreation courses and various physical activities.

Dr Jinmoo Heo is an associate professor in the Department of Sport and Leisure Studies at Yonsei University.