The relationship between participation in selected leisure activities and perceptions of general health : in age-segregated and age-integrated communities

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of participation in selected leisure activities and perceptions of general health in older individuals. The sample consisted of 220 individuals age 60 and over who were from one to two populations: (a) age-inte grated community (the mainstream of society) or (b) age-segregated community (retirement communities). The research objectives were to determine whether any or all of the following existed: (a) a difference between older individuals residing in age-integrated and age-segregated communities and dimensions of general health perceptions; (b) a difference between the types of leisure activity participation in age-segregated and age-integrated communities; and (c) a difference between groups of individuals in the types of leisure activity participation and dimensions of general health perceptions.

The data were collected using a self-report questionnaire which contained the following information: (a) Health Perception Questionnaire (HPQ); (b) Leisure Activity Participation Checklist (LAPC); and (c) demographic information. Individual's perceptions of leisure activity types were utilized to place respondents into one of four groups: (a) Active-Isolate; (b) Active-Social; (c) Sedentary-Isolate; and (d) Sedentary-Social.

The results of the study showed that there were no significant differences in older individuals' perceptions of health, regardless of where they resided. There were significant differences among the types of leisure activity participation of individuals residing in age-segregated and age-integrated communities. Significant differences existed among Leisure Activity Types and the general health perception dimensions of: (a) Current Health (CH): (b) Prior Health (PH): (c) Health Outlook (HO); (d) Health Worry/Concern (WC); and (e) the General Health Ratings Index (GHRI). No significant differences existed between Leisure Activity Types and (a) Resistance to Illness (RI) and Sickness Orientation (SO).

It was concluded that the type of leisure pursuit in which an individual perceived her/himself to be involved was related to the individuals' perception of general health. It appeared that the group of individuals who perceived themselves to be active either socially or physically had better perceptions of general health.