An Analysis of the Influence of Leisure Motivation on Leisure Activity Participation among Active Seniors: Based on Self-Determination Theory

As Korea is set to enter a super-aged society by 2025, enhancing the quality of life for middle-aged and older adults has become a pressing social issue. This study focuses on the positive effects of leisure activities on physical and mental health and overall life satisfaction, and analyzes the relationship between leisure motivation and participation in leisure activities among the senior population, based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT). A survey was conducted with 509 individuals aged 60 and over residing in the Seoul and Gyeonggi regions. The validity and reliability of the measurement tools were verified through exploratory factor analysis and reliability testing. The results showed that leisure motivation consists of intrinsic factors (challenge/immersion, learning/exploration) and extrinsic factors (new experiences, influence of others), with intrinsic motivation demonstrating higher reliability and explanatory power. To examine the influence of leisure motivation on participation in leisure activities, a regression analysis was conducted. The results indicated that intrinsic motivation factors— 'challenge/immersion' and 'learning/exploration'—had a statistically significant positive effect on leisure activity participation (p<0.001), whereas extrinsic motivation had no significant effect. These findings suggest the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation in promoting consistent and self-driven engagement in leisure activities among seniors. This study provides foundational data for the development of leisure policies and practical programs aimed at addressing the needs of a super-aged society through a deeper understanding of senior leisure behavior. Future research should expand to include diverse regions and methodological approaches.