The effect of leisure involvement on happiness and successful aging in elderly

BackgroundWith the increase in the elderly population all over the world, researchers have recently focused on the importance of happiness and successful aging.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effect of leisure involvement on happiness and successful aging levels in the elderly.MethodThe personal information form, the leisure involvement scale, the Oxford happiness scale, and the successful aging scale were used in this study. The convenience sampling method was preferred in the current study. The data of the study were collected from individuals who performed leisure activities in recreational parks in Istanbul. The Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used for the analysis of obtained data. A total of 227 (M_Age= 64.32 ± 2.74) elderly participated in the study voluntarily.ResultsThere was a positive relationship between leisure involvement with happiness (r = .381) and healthy aging (r = .311). Moreover, when the results regarding the main hypothesis of the research were examined, it was observed that leisure involvement had a positive effect on happiness and successful aging (p < .001). Accordingly, it was determined that the participants' leisure involvements predicted their happiness and successful aging levels by 14% (adj.R²= .141) and 9% (adj.R²= .093), respectively.ConclusionElderly over the age of sixty with high levels of leisure involvement may feel better as physically and psychologically, they can become happier humans and achieve more successful aging.