Leisure activity and subjective well-being of older adults in Australia and Thailand: The impact of affiliation, restoration and meaning

Objectives

To explore leisure activity types among older adults in Australia and Thailand and how psychological mechanisms of restoration, affiliation and meaning in leisure activities impact subjective well-being (SWB).

Methods

A survey was administered to 125 older adults aged 60 and above (65 from Australia and 60 from Thailand). The survey collected demographic information, self-rated health and SWB. Participants were also asked to manually list their top three leisure activities and provide details on each activity's frequency, duration and ratings of restoration, affiliation and meaning. Statistical analyses included correlation analysis and standard multiple regression.

Results

‘Meaning’ significantly predicts well-being for Thai participants, while ‘restoration’ predicts well-being for Australians. Cultural differences were evident in preferred leisure activities. For example, ‘TV and internet uses’ was higher among Thai participants, and ‘Creative’ activities were higher among Australian participants. ‘Exercise’ was the top leisure activity in both countries, with many comments suggesting that health benefits are the primary reason for leisure.

Conclusions

Encouraging culturally relevant leisure activities with health benefits that also promote meaning and restoration may enhance well-being among older adults.