Search

Background: The purpose of this scoping review was to systematically synthesize barriers and facilitators for physical activity (PA) among children and youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) across the socioecological model. Methods: Five electronic databases were searched in March 2022 for studies examining barriers and facilitators for PA among children and youth with ASD. An updated search was performed in April 2024. The framework synthesis method was utilized, and the socioecological model was the chosen framework. Results: Fifty-four studies published from 2008 to 2024 were included. Among the included studies, 57% included the perspectives of children and youth with ASD alone or together with proxies (eg, parents, teachers, and coaches), while 43% included only the perspectives of proxies. Barriers and facilitators on the intrapersonal and interpersonal levels were most substantial. The analysis led to 2 main categories of barriers and facilitators, those unique to children and youth with ASD, and those similar to what had been identified through research on children and youth, both typically developing and with other disabilities. Conclusions: This comprehensive scoping review shows the complexity of factors contributing to barriers and facilitators for PA among children and youth with ASD, and highlights both the factors unique to this population and more general factors affecting PA participation. The findings from this synthesis might be used to guide the development of inclusive PA in physical education, organized sports, and other community PA arenas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have found that loneliness affects cognitive functions in older persons. However, the influence of loneliness on different cognitive fields and the internal mechanism of the relationship are unclear. A total of 4772 older persons aged above 50 years (Mean = 65.31, SD = 6.96, 57.7% female) were included in this study. All the participants completed the characteristics scale, as well as the loneliness scale, leisure activity scale, and cognitive function tests in six domains. The results showed that 17.6% of participants had high loneliness, while 16.7% of participants had low loneliness. Associations were observed between higher levels of loneliness and lower scores in general cognitive ability, memory, and executive functions. Mediation analysis suggested that leisure activities, encompassing mental, physical, and social activities, were associated with cognitive functions in the context of loneliness. These results indicate that leisure activities may play a significant role in the relationship between loneliness and cognitive functions in older adults. The study highlights the importance of considering leisure activities in this demographic to potentially mitigate the adverse cognitive effects associated with loneliness.

ObjectivePhysical and recreational activities are behaviors that may modify risk of late-life cognitive decline. We sought to examine the role of retrospectively self-reported midlife (age 40) physical and recreational activity engagement - and self-reported change in these activities from age 40 to initial study visit - in predicting late-life cognition.MethodData were obtained from 898 participants in a longitudinal study of cognitive aging in demographically and cognitively diverse older adults (Age: range = 49-93 years, M = 75, SD = 7.19). Self-reported physical and recreational activity participation at age 40 and at the initial study visit were quantified using the Life Experiences Assessment Form. Change in activities was modeled using latent change scores. Cognitive outcomes were obtained annually (range = 2-17 years) using the Spanish and English Neuropsychological Assessment Scales, which measure verbal episodic memory, semantic memory, visuospatial processing, and executive functioning.ResultsPhysical activity engagement at age 40 was strongly associated with cognitive performance in all four domains at the initial visit and with global cognitive slope. However, change in physical activities after age 40 was not associated with cognitive outcomes. In contrast, recreational activity engagement - both at age 40 and change after 40 - was predictive of cognitive intercepts and slope.ConclusionsRetrospectively self-reported midlife physical and recreational activity engagement were strongly associated with late-life cognition - both level of performance and rate of future decline. However, the data suggest that maintenance of recreational activity engagement (e.g., writing, taking classes, reading) after age 40 is more strongly associated with late-life cognition than continued maintenance of physical activity levels.

The objective of the current study is to analyze the time spent on leisure activities in Budapest, considering five influencing factors. Data were collected from Google Popular Time (GPT) via location services using Python, resulting in a dataset of 1336 entries from July 2022. The analysis utilized the Ordered Logit Model (OLM). According to the outcomes, about 17% of visitors allocate significant time to leisure, while half spend relatively less. Leisure time is positively influenced by ratings and location but negatively affected by security levels. This study demonstrates the utility of GPT data for understanding individual behavior, offering valuable insights for decision-makers, tourism managers, and planners. Additionally, it sheds light on leisure-related traffic patterns, aiding in the identification of popular locations and peak time periods for leisure activities. This information can indirectly impact traffic flow in specific areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation in Organised Extracurricular Social Activities (OESA) can provide positive outcomes for children. This study investigated whether children aged 4 to 12 years diagnosed with autism differ in their OESA participation and experience compared to neurotypical peers. Parents of autistic children (n = 35) and those of neurotypical peers (n = 171) responded to questions that asked them to reflect on their child's participation and experiences in OESAs. Parents of autistic children reported significantly less OESA participation compared to parents of neurotypical children. Additionally, when evaluating factors that facilitated OESA participation, parents of autistic children rated their child's individual abilities and behaviour, the OESA's features, and the social environment less positively, compared to parents of neurotypical children. OESA participation and experiences differ for autistic and neurotypical children. This study identifies factors that can be adjusted to mitigate this difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volt hockey is a team sport developed for persons with physical disabilities. Because family members are important resources to enable sports participation, the purpose of this study was to illuminate experiences of volt hockey from family members' perspectives. Focus group interviews were conducted, including 20 family members, and the verbatim transcripts were inductively analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Family members saw the value of enabling participation in volt hockey, being an inclusive team sport that brings enjoyment and strengthens social relationships within, and outside of, the family. Trying to facilitate sport participation, the need for material resources and other actors was emphasised, such as personal assistance, funders, and healthcare professionals informing about the sport and the engagement of the volt hockey clubs. In conclusion, involvement in volt hockey is emotionally and socially rewarding for family members, but there is a need for additional enablers to allow the sport to grow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to identify settings associated with SARS-CoV-2 transmission throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in France. Methods: Cases with recent SARS-CoV-2 infection were matched with controls (4:1 ratio) on age, sex, region, population size, and calendar week. Odds ratios for SARS-CoV-2 infection were estimated for nine periods in models adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, health status, COVID-19 vaccine, and past infection. Results: Between October 27, 2020 and October 2, 2022, 175,688 cases were matched with 43,922 controls. An increased risk of infection was documented throughout the study for open-space offices compared to offices without open space (OR range across the nine periods: 1.12 to 1.57) and long-distance trains (1.25 to 1.88), and during most of the study for convenience stores (OR range in the periods with increased risk: 1.15 to 1.44), take-away delivery (1.07 to 1.28), car-pooling with relatives (1.09 to 1.68), taxis (1.08 to 1.89), airplanes (1.20 to 1.78), concerts (1.31 to 2.09) and night-clubs (1.45 to 2.95). No increase in transmission was associated with short-distance shared transport, car-pooling booked over platforms, markets, supermarkets and malls, hairdressers, museums, movie theatres, outdoor sports, and swimming pools. The increased risk of infection in bars and restaurants was no longer present in restaurants after reopening in June 2021. It persisted in bars only among those aged under 40 years. Conclusion: Closed settings in which people are less likely to wear masks were most affected by SARS-CoV-2 transmission and should be the focus of air quality improvement. ClinicalTrials.gov (03/09/2022): NCT04607941. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between a history of bicycling and symptomatic and structural outcomes of knee osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study within the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), where we investigated OAI participants with complete data on bicycling, knee pain, and radiographic evidence of knee OA. We used a self-administered questionnaire at the 96-month OAI visit to identify participation in bicycling during four time periods throughout a participant's lifetime (ages 12-18, 19-34, 35-49, and >50 yr). Using logistic regression, we evaluated the influence of prior bicycling status (any history, history for each time period, number of periods cycling) on three outcomes at the 48-month OAI visit: frequent knee pain, radiographic OA (ROA), and symptomatic radiographic OA (SOA), adjusting for age and gender. Results: A total of 2607 participants were included: 44.2% were male, mean age was 64.3 (SD, 9.0) yr, and body mass index was 28.5 (SD, 4.9) kg⋅m-2. The adjusted risk ratios for the outcome of frequent knee pain, ROA, and SOA among those who reported any history of bicycling compared with non-bicyclers were 0.83 (0.73-0.92), 0.91 (0.85-0.98), and 0.79 (0.68-0.90), respectively. We observed a dose--response among those who participated in bicycling during more time periods. Conclusions: People who participated in bicycling had a lower prevalence of frequent knee pain, ROA, and SOA. The benefit appeared cumulative. This study indicates that bicycling may be favorable to knee health and should be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many towns had race meetings in the past, most survived only a short time. It has been rare that the reasons why so many failed have been explored. Most simply stopped without any local newspaper explanation. This microstudy of a small local northern race meeting is very suggestive about just how complex and precarious the survival of any meeting could be, and aims to encourage further research. Kendal, the largest town in Westmorland, had very occasional low status race meetings in the eighteenth century on its Fell Side. But in 1820 annual races were revived on a new course to the east of the town, and the following year a new improved course was constructed to the west. The new races, the only ones in Westmorland at that time, lasted only fifteen years, from 1820 to 1834. This paper explores their nature, and the complex reasons lying behind the rise and fall of Kendal's so-called 'race week'. It starts by exploring its beginnings and describing the varied attractions that the 'race week' offered: wagering, heavy drinking, gaming and trickster activities, entertainments, a band, balloon ascent, dramas, social meals, dancing, assemblies, Wombwell's menagerie, wrestling and cockfighting. It assesses the numbers and nature of the crowds attending. It then examines the complex reasons lying behind its brief growth and rapid decline. A perfect storm of problems came together: political divisions between the powerful landowning Tory Lowthers who held Westmorland and growing Whig and Reform opposition, which affected finances, patronage and elite attendance; middle-class Kendal attitudes, and dissenter religious opposition; funding problems; decline of gentry interest; inferior racehorse entries; low status jockeys; and bad weather. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of the current investigation was to execute a comprehensive needs assessment concerning extracurricular and leisure activities for students enrolled in multigrade elementary schools within Khalkhal County. Methods: This inquiry is categorized as applied research with a specific focus on needs assessment, employing a mixed-methods approach. The study's participants encompassed educators, school administrators, male and female students, parents, specialists, and advocates in the domain of extracurricular and leisure activities, who were purposefully selected from multi-grade rural schools in Khalkhal County and interviewed until the point of saturation was achieved. To quantitatively assess the content validity, the study utilized the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and the Content Validity Index (CVI). The analysis of data was executed through thematic analysis employing open, axial, and selective coding methodologies, while prioritization of needs was conducted using the Delphi technique. Results: The findings of the study revealed that the needs assessment pertaining to extracurricular activities comprised 17 distinct components, with the highest priority assigned to the acquisition of new skills and experiences, extracurricular academic and educational classes, alongside scientific competitions. Furthermore, the needs assessment related to leisure activities identified 14 components, with the foremost priorities being artistic endeavors, indigenous and local games, as well as cultural and sports competitions. The results indicated that the leisure and extracurricular activity requirements of female and male students exhibited notable disparities. Conclusions: The findings derived from this study may serve as a foundational framework for recognizing and strategizing to address the deficiencies in formal and extracurricular education, thereby fostering educational equity for students in rural educational settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Recent research indicates that as men age, their tendency to ruminate about work decreases, while ruminating remains high in women, which poses an increased risk for impaired health among older women. OBJECTIVE: This study explored gender differences/similarities in the process of unwinding from work in men and women aged between 56–65 years. METHODS: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted online with eight men and eight women, recruited from a UK leading organization that provides health care solutions between May and June 2022. Participants were asked about their job role and responsibilities, their leisure time activities, how they unwind post work, and their experiences of thinking about work related thoughts outside of work. Transcripts were analyzed using an inductive analysis. RESULTS: Three superordinate themes were identified that underpinned their ability to unwind: 'Work style', 'Creating work-life balance' and 'Switching off from one's responsibilities'. Women reported a more perfectionist approach, they set high standards for themselves, were worried about making mistakes, and demonstrated, if in a supervisory role, a more nurturing and holistic approach to their colleagues/subordinates, while men, were more focused on task completion. Most women, but not men, also described difficulties in psychologically switching off from work, and stated they could only truly relax outside the home, when they are away from household activities. CONCLUSION: The study provides nuanced insights into the experiences of unwinding from work, and the findings suggest the need for person-centric approaches in developing interventions to help workers over 56 years to psychologically disengage from work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study aimed to explore the internal pathway of the association between activities of daily living and subjective well‐being among Chinese older adults using a large and representative sample. Background: There is still a lack of systematic investigation into the association between activities of daily living and subjective well‐being among Chinese older adults. Materials and methods: The study included 10 578 participants from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. We applied multiple linear regression analysis and Spearman correlation analysis to examine the association between activities of daily living and subjective well‐being and PROCESS macro to determine the mediating effect of leisure activities on the relationship between them. Results: The mean total score of subjective well‐being was 30.5 ± 4.4. The prevalence of basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living limitations was 18.0% and 60.8%, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that activities of daily living score were negatively correlated with subjective well‐being. Leisure activities were positively correlated with subjective well‐being. The effect of instrumental activities of daily living on subjective well‐being was partially mediated by leisure activities and leisure activities completely mediated the association between basic activities of daily living and subjective well‐being. Conclusions: The effect of instrumental activities of daily living on subjective well‐being was partially mediated by leisure activities and leisure activities completely mediated the association between basic activities of daily living and subjective well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Happiness is a cognitive and emotional evaluation of one’s life, and the upward approach affects satisfaction and happiness throughout life. Because nursing students must experience medical settings closely related to COVID-19 infection through clinical practice, they are vulnerable to exposure to infection and academic stress, and are also sensitive to personal life satisfaction and happiness. In this study, Korean nursing students who experienced the COVID-19 pandemic during the COVID-19 endemic era were divided into nursing students infected with COVID-19 and non-infected nursing students. By identifying the effects of college life adaptation, leisure satisfaction from club activities, and family health on happiness, which are individual sub-factors of happiness, we intend to provide basic data for the development of intervention programs for promoting their happiness. Methods Data were collected from October 4, 2023 to November 15, 2023. The subjects were 343 students enrolled in five nursing schools in four major cities (D, G, K, and Y) in Korea. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Results For COVID+ students, happiness was significantly affected by adaptation to campus life and family strengths. This model had r2 = 0.401; i.e., it explained 40.1% of the variability in happiness. For COVID0 students, happiness was significantly affected by adaptation to campus life and subjective health status, with r2 = 0.346. Conclusions These results indicate the necessity of developing a happiness-promotion program for nursing students.

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between leisure time and physical activity constraints and healthy lifestyle behaviors among university students and to determine possible differences according to sociodemographic and physical characteristics. Materials and Methods: The participants were reached using the purposeful sampling method, which is an improbable sampling method, and students from a public university located in a province in Southeastern Anatolia were accepted as the target group. The study population consisted of students who received health education at the level of associate degree (n=380). The questionnaire created by the researchers comprises three parts. The first part of the form consisted of descriptive questions that query the sociodemographic characteristics, the second part consisted of the Scale of Leisure Time Physical Activity Constraints, and the third part consisted of the Healthy Life Style Behavior Scale-II form. Results: In the present study, sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, such as gender, persons sharing living quarters, transportation preferences, and regular exercise, were effective in reducing leisure physical activity constraints, and the department they studied at the university, gender, and regular exercise were effective in reducing healthy lifestyle behaviors, as well. In addition, as a result of the present study, it was determined that leisure time and physical activity constraints have a negative effect on healthy lifestyle behaviors. Conclusion: Interventions to reduce physical activity constraints may also have a positive effect on a healthy lifestyle.

Background: Happiness is a cognitive and emotional evaluation of one's life, and the upward approach affects satisfaction and happiness throughout life. Because nursing students must experience medical settings closely related to COVID-19 infection through clinical practice, they are vulnerable to exposure to infection and academic stress, and are also sensitive to personal life satisfaction and happiness. In this study, Korean nursing students who experienced the COVID-19 pandemic during the COVID-19 endemic era were divided into nursing students infected with COVID-19 and non-infected nursing students. By identifying the effects of college life adaptation, leisure satisfaction from club activities, and family health on happiness, which are individual sub-factors of happiness, we intend to provide basic data for the development of intervention programs for promoting their happiness. Methods: Data were collected from October 4, 2023 to November 15, 2023. The subjects were 343 students enrolled in five nursing schools in four major cities (D, G, K, and Y) in Korea. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients. Results: For COVID+ students, happiness was significantly affected by adaptation to campus life and family strengths. This model had r2 = 0.401; i.e., it explained 40.1% of the variability in happiness. For COVID0 students, happiness was significantly affected by adaptation to campus life and subjective health status, with r2 = 0.346. Conclusions: These results indicate the necessity of developing a happiness-promotion program for nursing students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between leisure time and physical activity constraints and healthy lifestyle behaviors among university students and to determine possible differences according to sociodemographic and physical characteristics. Materials and Methods: The participants were reached using the purposeful sampling method, which is an improbable sampling method, and students from a public university located in a province in Southeastern Anatolia were accepted as the target group. The study population consisted of students who received health education at the level of associate degree (n=380). The questionnaire created by the researchers comprises three parts. The first part of the form consisted of descriptive questions that query the sociodemographic characteristics, the second part consisted of the Scale of Leisure Time Physical Activity Constraints, and the third part consisted of the Healthy Life Style Behavior Scale-II form. Results: In the present study, sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, such as gender, persons sharing living quarters, transportation preferences, and regular exercise, were effective in reducing leisure physical activity constraints, and the department they studied at the university, gender, and regular exercise were effective in reducing healthy lifestyle behaviors, as well. In addition, as a result of the present study, it was determined that leisure time and physical activity constraints have a negative effect on healthy lifestyle behaviors. Conclusion: Interventions to reduce physical activity constraints may also have a positive effect on a healthy lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iskolakultúra is the property of University of Szeged, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Research background: Many studies have shown that there are differences in income, health, and quality of life between regular and non-regular workers. However, relatively little is known about the leisure lives of regular and non-regular workers. Purpose of research: The purpose of this study was to provide an empirical basis, in terms of social and policy-level aspects, to enhance the sustainability and satisfaction of leisure life for regular and non-regular workers in Korea by identifying the factors affecting leisure satisfaction according to the employment type of workers and their relative influence. Research method: To this end, data on 3627 regular and non-regular workers were analyzed using the raw data from the 'National Leisure Activity Survey', which is statistically representative at the national level. For the data analysis, SPSS version 23.0 was used. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed to identify the characteristics of the analysis variables, and a hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to identify the major factors and their relative influences on leisure satisfaction. Results: The analysis revealed that the relative influence of factors affecting the leisure satisfaction of regular workers was found in the following order: leisure time on weekdays, marital status, number of vacation days used, implementation of a five-day workweek system, income, leisure time on holidays, regional scale, and working hours. For non-regular workers, the factors influencing leisure satisfaction in order of relative influence were as follows: leisure time on weekdays, leisure expenses, marital status, working hours, and income. Implication: Based on the results of the study, practical measures and policy-level proposals were made to increase the sustainability and satisfaction of leisure life for both regular and non-regular workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of theater-based interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults. It emphasizes the negative impacts of social isolation and loneliness on physical and mental well-being. Theater-based interventions provide social tasks and interactions that can strengthen social cognition and promote successful aging. The article highlights the prevalence of social isolation and loneliness in older adults and the need for interventions to address these issues. It suggests that theater-based interventions can be effective in promoting social interaction and improving cognitive functioning in older adults. Overall, theater-based interventions offer a promising approach to reducing social isolation and improving well-being in older adults. The document is a list of references to research articles and studies on social isolation, loneliness, and interventions for older adults. The references cover a range of topics and provide a comprehensive overview of the current research in this field. [Extracted from the article]

This study aimed to investigate the association between leisure activities and sleep among older adults, using data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). The data in this study were from the CLHLS in 2018. Seven activities including outdoor activities, gardening work, reading newspapers or books, raising domestic animals or pets, playing cards or mahjong, watching TV or listening to the radio, and participating in social activities were collected to reflect leisure activities. Subjective sleep quality was classified as normal and poor and sleep time is divided into short sleep duration, normal sleep duration, and long sleep duration by self-report of older people. Logistic regression analyses were employed to test the association between specific leisure activities and sleep. Older adults who usually participated in leisure activities had a lower rate of poor subjective sleep quality and long sleep duration than those who never participated in leisure activities, and no significant differences were found in the short sleep duration group. Compared with older adults who participated in no leisure activity, those who participated in one or more leisure activities had a lower rate of long sleep duration. The findings provide evidence that the greater frequency and number of participations in leisure activities are associated with a lower rate of poor subjective sleep quality and long sleep duration among Chinese older adults. Encouraging older people to participate frequently in a larger number of leisure activities could improve the sleep conditions of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions on daily routines have had a large effect on mental health. This study aimed to explore perceived changes in leisure behavior and some potentially beneficial leisure activities as factors associated with prevalence of depression symptoms during nationwide restrictions of the State of Emergency (SoE). Eight hundred ninety-six adults participated in a cross-sectional online survey during the SoE in Estonia in spring 2020. Binary logistic regression models, with adjustments for covariates, demonstrated that shifted leisure behaviors (having less leisure time; largely or totally changed habitual leisure activities) during the SoE played a role in increased risk of depression symptoms. Our results suggest that higher involvement in physical activities, more time spent in nature, and greater commitment to durable hobbies all appear to have a protective effect against the risk of depression symptoms. Further longitudinal studies on representative samples are needed to establish reliable causal relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine to what extent leisure activities affect life satisfaction in young people. 670 students attending the University of Zagreb (Croatia) took part in the study, out of which 209 (31.2%) were males and 461 were females (68.8%). The largest number of students stated they have 2-3 hours of leisure time per day (n = 210; 31.3%), while the lowest number of students stated they have up to 1 hour of leisure time per day. The respondents filled in a survey which consisted of 2 parts: The Leisure Time Questionnaire and The Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985). For the purpose of this study and based on the relevant literature, The Leisure Time Questionnaire was designed in which 6 composite variables were formed (Cultural activities, Relaxing activities, Electronic media and the Internet, Useful activities, Sports, Socializing and going out). According to the findings, the respondents tend to spend most of their leisure time in Relaxing activities, and the minimum of their time engaging in Cultural activities. Out of all 6 composite variables relating to young people's leisure activities, only one, Socializing and going out, has proved to be a statistically significant predictor of life satisfaction in young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Museums are more than a place to preserve collections of pieces. They offer serious leisure activities that can be incremented by using virtual reality tools. Thus, this study aims to analyse (i) the effect of virtual atmospheric cues on serious leisure in a virtual museum environment, and (ii) the impact of serious leisure on the desire to visit the physical museum. Results demonstrated that virtual atmospheric cues exercise a significant effect on the perception of vividness and presence. Both vividness and presence influence serious leisure and this, in turn, affects serious leisure in a virtual museum environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about creativity in old age. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent the intensity of engaging in creative activities differs between older and younger people as well as older people with and without cognitive impairment. Moreover, we evaluated associations of creative activities with specific cognitive abilities. For this cross‐sectional study, groups of younger people (n = 24), older cognitively healthy people (n = 24), and older cognitively impaired people (n = 23) were recruited via convenience sampling. Creative activities were assessed via the creative behavior inventory (CBI). Cognitive abilities were assessed via trail making test (TMT), standard progressive matrices (SPM), creative reasoning task (CRT), test of creative thinking‐drawing production (TCT‐DP), and alternate uses task (AUT). The intensity of engaging in creative activities was higher among younger people but was not significantly associated with being cognitively impaired. Only two cognitive abilities, the creative thinking scores CRT‐Components and TCT‐DP‐Original, predicted creative activities. Both did not differ significantly between cognitively healthy and cognitively impaired older adults. The findings suggest that cognitively impaired older people still engage in creative activities, which might be due to their relatively sound creative thinking. Further studies should investigate whether engaging in creative activities can mitigate cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The effects of sleep–wake behavior on perceived fatigability and cognitive abilities when performing daily activities have not been investigated across levels of cognitive reserve (CR). METHODS: CR Index Questionnaire (CRIq) data were collected and subjected to moderated mediation analysis. RESULTS: In amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI; n = 41), CR moderated sleep‐related impairments (SRIs), and fatigability at low CR (CRIq < 105.8, p = 0.004) and mean CR (CRIq = 126.9, p = 0.03) but not high CR (CRIq > 145.9, p = 0.65) levels. SRI affected cognitive abilities mediated by fatigability at low CR (p < 0.001) and mean CR (p = 0.003) levels. In healthy controls (n = 13), SRI in fatigability did not alter cognitive abilities across CR levels; controls had higher leisure scores than patients with aMCI (p = 0.003, effect size = 0.93). DISCUSSION: SRI can amplify impaired cognitive abilities through exacerbation of fatigability in patients with aMCI with below‐mean CR. Therefore, improving sleep–wake regulation and leisure activities may protect against fatigability and cognitive decline. Highlights: Clinical fatigue and fatigability cannot be alleviated by rest.Clinical fatigability disrupts daily activities during preclinical Alzheimer's.High cognitive reserve mitigates sleep–wake disturbance effects.High cognitive reserve attenuates clinical fatigability effects on daily functioning.Untreated obstructive sleep apnea potentiates Alzheimer's pathology in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the association between leisure activities (recreation, sports, social contact, artistic, cultural, religious, and rest) and mental health disorders among Malaysian university students. There were 332 respondents enrolled in the public and private universities, polytechnics and other higher academic institutions in Malaysia were surveyed using a quantitative questionnaire. The study performed multiple regression and correlation analyses on the data using the statistical package for social science (SPSS). The findings indicated that six out of seven categories of leisure activities were significantly linked to mental health issues. The six types of leisure time activities were recreation, sports, social interaction, cultural, religious, and rest. Cultural activities have the highest impact on mental health, with the highest beta value. The universities and polytechnics should consider launching several types of leisure activities and tailor specific activities that may reduce mental health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To study cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between objectively assessed neighborhood walkability, walking difficulties, and participation in leisure activities among older people. Methods: Self-reported 2 km walking difficulty (intact, modifications, difficulties) at baseline and participating in organized group, outdoor recreation and cultural activities at baseline and follow-up were studied in community-dwelling persons (N = 848) aged 75–90. A walkability index, calculated using a geographic information system, was categorized into tertiles (lowest, middle, highest). Results: Residence in the highest walkability areas was associated with higher participation in cultural activities and lower participation in outdoor recreation, while the latter was most frequently reported by residents in the lowest walkability areas. Those reporting no difficulties were more likely than those reporting difficulties to participate in all studied activities. Residence in the middle or highest walkability areas predicted higher participation in cultural activities at follow-up. Discussion: Older persons activity profiles associate with neighborhood walkability and walking difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesQuality of life (QoL) is an important consideration for people living with HIV (PWH). We investigated the relationship between stress, psychological resources, and proactive behaviors, on QoL (conceptualized as life satisfaction, successful aging, and depressive symptoms) by testing the hypotheses: (1) greater life stress (stress and functional impairment) is associated with poorer QoL; (2) resources (mastery, resilience, and social support) are associated with better QoL, beyond the influence of stress; and (3) proactive behaviors (medication management and leisure activities) mediate the relationship between resources and QoL.MethodsSecondary analyses were performed (N = 128 PWH). Participants' mean age was 52.3, 83.6% were male, and 53.9 identified as white. Multivariate regressions were performed within the context of path analyses.ResultsIn series 1, greater stress was associated with poorer life satisfaction (p

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine whether leisure activities can help reduce years lived with disability and increase healthy life expectancy of diabetics aged 50 years and above. Methods Analysis was based on five waves of follow-up survey data (Taiwan Longitudinal Study of Aging, TLSA) from 1996 to 2011. A total of 5131 participants aged 50 years and above in 1996 were included in the analysis, and gender, leisure activity participation, and diabetes mellitus were used as primary variables to examine the variation trend in health status in the participants. The health status in the various waves of surveys was measured using the activities of daily living scale, and nondisabled was defined as healthy. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to calculate the life expectancy (LE) and healthy life expectancy (HLE) of the people aged 50 years and above. Results The diabetes older people with a high frequency of leisure activities have longer HLE than those with lower activity frequency. Using 50-year-old diabetic women as an example, the LE (HLE) of those with six or more leisure activities and those with three or fewer leisure activities was 30.40 (25.34) and 24.90 (20.87), respectively. The LE (HLE) of men with the same conditions was 24.79 (22.68) and 20.30 (18.45), respectively. Conclusions This study used life expectancy and healthy life expectancy as markers to evaluate health benefits and provided evidence that leisure activities can help extend the life span and maintain the health status of middle-aged and older diabetics.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that sensory impairment is linked to dementia; however, the role of social network and leisure activity in this relationship is unclear. OBJECTIVE: Examine the association of hearing and visual impairment with dementia, and whether a rich social network and leisure activity moderates this association. METHODS: Dementia-free older adults from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (n = 2,579) were followed up for up for a median of 10 years (interquartile range = 6). Visual impairment was assessed with a reading acuity test, and hearing impairment was ascertained via self-report and medical records. Dementia was diagnosed following international criteria. Data on social network and leisure activity was collected via self-report. Hazard ratios (HRs) of dementia risk were derived from Cox regression models. RESULTS: Dual impairment, but not single impairment in hearing and vision was associated with a higher risk of dementia (HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.27). Compared to participants with no sensory impairment and a moderate-to-rich social network, those with dual impairment and low social network or leisure activity had higher dementia risk (HR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.43 to 3.22; HR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.43 to 3.22, respectively), whereas participants with dual impairment with a moderate-to-rich social network or leisure activity did not have significantly higher dementia risk (HR; 1.42, 95% CI: 0.87 to 2.33; HR; 1.42, 95% CI: 0.87 to 2.33, respectively). CONCLUSION: A richer social network and participation in stimulating activities may mitigate the higher dementia risk in older adults with dual impairment in vision and hearing.

BackgroundAlthough physical activity (PA) has been recognized as a favourable factor in the prevention of various diseases, including certain forms of cancer, the relationship between PA and gastric cancer (GC) is not yet fully understood. This study aims to provide data from a pooled analysis of case-control studies within the Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project to estimate the association between leisure-time PA and the occurrence of GC.MethodsSix case-control studies from StoP project collected data on leisure-time PA, for a total of 2,343 cases and 8,614 controls. Subjects were classified into three leisure-time PA categories, either none/low, intermediate or high, based on study-specific tertiles. We used a two-stage approach. Firstly, we applied multivariable logistic regression models to obtain study-specific odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) then, we used a random-effect models to obtain pooled effect estimates. We performed stratified analyses according to demographic, lifestyle and clinical covariates.ResultsThe meta-analysis showed ORs of GC with no significant differences between intermediate vs low and high vs low PA level (OR 1.05 [95%CI 0.76-1.45]; OR 1.23 [95%CI 0.78-1.94], respectively). GC risk estimates did not strongly differ across strata of selected covariates except for age ≤ 55 years old (high vs low level: OR 0.72 [95%CI 0.55-0.94]) and for control population-based studies (high vs low level: OR 0.79 [95%CI 0.68-0.93]).ConclusionsNo association was found between leisure time PA and GC, apart from a slight suggestion of decreased risk below age 55 and in control population-based studies. These results may reflect specific characteristics of GC at a younger age, or the presence of a cohort effect mediating and interacting with socioeconomic determinants of GC The different distribution of PA levels among hospitalized controls could have led to an underestimated effect of PA on GC risk.

Objectives: We investigated the associations of mean levels of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and latent LTPA trajectories with all-cause mortality risk. Methods: Trajectories of LTPA were established using group-based trajectory analysis with a latent class growth model in a population-based cohort between 1996 and 2014. A Cox-proportional hazard model was conducted to examine the associations of LTPA quintiles and LTPA trajectories with all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 21,211 participants (age 18-90 years) were analyzed (median follow-up 16.8 years). The study participants were divided into five groups according to percentiles of LTPA (

BackgroundLatina women are less likely to report engaging in leisure-time physical activity (PA) than non-Latina white women. This study evaluated the 24-month impact of a faith-based PA intervention targeting Latinas.MethodsThe study is a cluster randomized controlled trial of a PA intervention or cancer screening comparison condition, with churches as the randomization unit. A total of 436 Latinas (aged 18-65 years) from 16 churches who engaged in low levels of self-report and accelerometer-based PA were enrolled. The experimental condition was a 24-month PA intervention, with in-person classes, social support, and environmental changes, led by community health workers (i.e., promotoras). At baseline, 12-, and 24 months, we assessed changes in accelerometer-based and self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA; primary outcomes). Secondary outcomes were light intensity activity, sedentary time, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference.ResultsAfter adjusting for sociodemographic factors, a mixed effects analysis found significant increases in self-reported leisure time MVPA (p

This paper estimates differences in walking and associations of walking with neighborhood perceptions among older adults in California. We analyzed the restricted-use California Health Interview Survey data merged with the American Community Survey data. Walking at least 10 minutes for leisure in the last 7 days and number of minutes walked were regressed on perceived neighborhood social cohesion scale (PNSCS) and neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics. We estimated ordinary least squares regression models. We found that positive neighborhood perceptions were significantly (p< 0.05) associated with walking among older Hispanic and Asian adults. Older Hispanic adults with above median PNSCS report that they walk 6.3 percentage points more than Non-Hispanic White adults. Older adults' perceptions of their neighbors and neighborhoods are positively correlated with walking. Policymakers can consider ways to improve neighborhood perceptions and relationships to help increase walking among minority older adults especially in low SES neighborhoods.

As the ageing population grows, the health and well-being of older adults have emerged as critical public concerns. Participating in leisure activities offers significant physical, mental, and social advantages for the elderly. Nonetheless, there’s a noticeable gap in the systematic analysis of these activities’ evolution over time. This bibliometric study delves into the domain of leisure activities for older adults, scrutinising scholarly articles from 1990 to 2023, indexed in SCOPUS. With an analysis of 612 English journal articles, it unveils developmental trends, pivotal themes, and unexplored areas. Highlighted research hotspots include dementia, physical activity, quality of life, life satisfaction, and health promotion, with a strategic blueprint outlining their interconnections and implications for policy and practice. This investigation not only charts the field’s landscape but also offers insightful directions for both scholarly inquiry and practical enhancements, aiming to improve the quality of life for the elderly. It concludes with discussions, managerial implications, limitations, future works, and conclusions to enrich the understanding of leisure activities’ development among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine whether leisure activities can help reduce years lived with disability and increase healthy life expectancy of diabetics aged 50 years and above. Methods: Analysis was based on five waves of follow-up survey data (Taiwan Longitudinal Study of Aging, TLSA) from 1996 to 2011. A total of 5131 participants aged 50 years and above in 1996 were included in the analysis, and gender, leisure activity participation, and diabetes mellitus were used as primary variables to examine the variation trend in health status in the participants. The health status in the various waves of surveys was measured using the activities of daily living scale, and nondisabled was defined as healthy. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to calculate the life expectancy (LE) and healthy life expectancy (HLE) of the people aged 50 years and above. Results: The diabetes older people with a high frequency of leisure activities have longer HLE than those with lower activity frequency. Using 50-year-old diabetic women as an example, the LE (HLE) of those with six or more leisure activities and those with three or fewer leisure activities was 30.40 (25.34) and 24.90 (20.87), respectively. The LE (HLE) of men with the same conditions was 24.79 (22.68) and 20.30 (18.45), respectively. Conclusions: This study used life expectancy and healthy life expectancy as markers to evaluate health benefits and provided evidence that leisure activities can help extend the life span and maintain the health status of middle-aged and older diabetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We investigated the effect of lifespan cognitive reserve and its components on cognitive frailty among older adults. Methods: A total of 4922 participants aged =65 years were recruited in 2008 and were followed up in 2011 from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Cognitive frailty was determined through the simultaneous presence of physical frailty (pre-frailty or frailty) and mild cognitive impairment, excluding concurrent dementia. The assessment of physical frailty and mild cognitive impairment was based on the Fatigue, Resistence, Ambulation, Illness, Loss of weight (FRAIL) (Fatigue, Resistence, Ambulation, Illness, Loss) and Mini-Mental State Examination scale, respectively. The lifespan cognitive reserve consisted of education attainment, occupational complexity and later-life leisure activities. We used logistic regression models to estimate the risk of cognitive frailty associated with the lifespan cognitive reserve and its components. Results: A higher level of lifespan cognitive reserve, higher educational attainment or leisure activities engagement, but not occupational complexity, were associated with lower risk of incident cognitive frailty. Furthermore, cognitive, social and physical activities were associated with lower risk of incident cognitive frailty. Conclusion: Cognitive reserve, particularly educational attainment and leisure activities, can protect from cognitive frailty. This implicates that individuals should accumulate cognitive reserve in their lifespan, and older adults should actively participate in leisure activities to prevent cognitive frailty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study found that a breast cancer survivor cohort who were 3-4 years post-treatment returned to near baseline activity levels, and their important activity categories were nearly evenly distributed among instrumental activities of daily living, high-demand leisure, and social participation. When describing their experiences, three themes emerged: exercise is important physically and emotionally, participating in important activities feels good, and plans have been made to continue engaging in important activities. Further research is needed to compare activity resumption among those receiving or not receiving occupational therapy-at different timepoints–to understand when occupational therapy can make the greatest impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The migration of older adults is receiving increasing academic attention. Existing research, however, gives little attention to accompanying migrants who migrate for the purpose of intergenerational caring, which is particularly typical in China, and its impact on older adult immigrants' well-being. Based on the leisure stress coping model, this study explores the leisure stress coping mechanisms of accompanying migrants in the Chinese cultural context. Data were collected through 42 in-depth interviews with Chinese accompanying migrants. The findings revealed that accompanying migrants perceived three dimensions of stress: adaptation stress, obligation stress, and role stress. Under the influence of leisure coping beliefs, migrants adopted coping strategies including seeking support, shifting focus, and self-adjustment. Consequently, the stress-coping process was realised through leisure activities such as exercise, social events, and sightseeing. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identify and prioritise strategies to optimise physical activity participation in the community gym setting for young adults with cerebral palsy. An e-Delphi method was implemented over three rounds with four stakeholder groups (young adults with cerebral palsy, their families, gym staff or exercise professionals, and health professionals). Strategies for change were identified by the stakeholders in round 1. In rounds 2 and 3, strategies for change were rated on the importance for implementation using a 7-point Likert scale (1 being lowest importance, 7 being highest). The consensus was achieved if ≥70% of participants identified a strategy as high importance. Seventy participants (20 young adults 10 family members, 21 health professionals, and 19 exercise professionals) identified 83 strategies for improving gym participation. Of these, 44 strategies met the consensus criteria. The highest priority strategies related to changing the physical environment, addressing cost barriers, gym staff training, and developing partnerships between sectors. Addressing physical accessibility, cost of attendance and the skills of gym staff were agreed upon by the stakeholder groups as priority areas for future resource allocation and research translation. Clinicians and community leisure facilities must work with consumers to implement strategies in their local contexts. The physical environment, gym staff training, and the cost of attendance are the priority areas for future interventions agreed on by key stakeholder groups Health professionals can facilitate community participation by partnering with the recreation and research sectors to create pathways to gym exercise Health professionals can play a role in developing the knowledge, skills and confidence of gym staff to support young people with cerebral palsy in the gym When implementing 1:1 social support in community gym settings, consider the preferences of young adults and the resources available [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has long been perceived wisdom that single people are those least likely to own a pet. The 2010 Emploi du temps (Time Use) survey confirms this pattern, while also making it possible to examine the activities and time shared with pets. It also allows an analysis of the terms people use to describe the activities carried out with their pets. We show that single people who own a pet spend more time with it, especially playing together with it. We also show that women and the elderly use language from a register that could be described as "anthropomorphic" to describe the way their pets fit into their daily lives more than other groups. It explains why single people use "anthropomorphic" language more than others, since they are more likely to be women and elderly people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leisure activities play an important role in improving happiness levels for the elderly. The purpose of this study is to explore leisure-related factors that affect the happiness of the elderly using machine learning algorithms. For this research, the 2019 National Leisure Activity Survey released by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Republic of Korea, was used to analyze the data of 1769 elders over the age of 65 among 10,060 men and women aged 15 years and older in 17 cities and provinces nationwide, and it went through the process of data preprocessing, data segmentation, prediction model construction and evaluation, and model tuning. According to the findings of the study, the main factors predicting the happiness index of the elderly were leisure life satisfaction, leisure time, whether to use public leisure facilities, leisure policy satisfaction, and leisure activity companionship. The overall findings of this study imply that exploring sustainable policy towards the achievement of sustainable happiness for the elderly is important. Based on these results, policy measures to improve the happiness level of the elderly were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Social Research / Turkiye Sosyal Arastirmalar Dergisi is the property of Turkish Journal of Social Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Livable environment and ways, as the necessary conditions for the elderly to enjoy their old age, have a significant impact on their mental health and happiness. It's crucial to understand how living arrangements affect depressive symptoms in China. Studies on how various leisure activities modify this association are yet limited. This study relies on panel data derived from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), collected during waves spanning 2008/2009, 2011/2012, 2014, and 2018. The primary objective is to examine the relationship between living arrangements, leisure activities, and depressive symptoms of elderly individuals. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze the data. A total of 26,342 observations aged 65 and over were included in this paper. Older adults living alone (β = 0.66, 95 % CI: 0.55, 0.76) or living in institutions (β = 0.69, 95 % CI: 0.40, 0.98) had more depressive symptoms than those living with family. Leisure activities were negatively associated with depressive symptoms (β = −0.16, 95 % CI: −0.18, −0.15). Moreover, there was significant interactions between living arrangements and leisure activities. No matter which kind of living arrangements, participating in physical, productive or social activity was associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms. Study design might introduce bias, and it cannot establish causality between the tested variables. Older adults living alone or in institutions have more possibility to develop depressive symptoms than those living with family, and such a relationship among Chinese older adults can be moderated by participating in leisure activities. • Older adults living alone or in institutions had more depressive symptoms than those living with family. • Participation in leisure activities showed a negative association with depressive symptoms. • There were significant interactions between living arrangements and leisure activities. • Whatever the life arrangements, participating in leisure activities was related to a lower risk of depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychosocial working conditions have been linked to mental health outcomes, but their association with well-being is poorly studied. We aimed to investigate the association between psychosocial working conditions and well-being before retirement, and to explore the role of gender and leisure activities in the association. From the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen, 598 community dwellers aged 60–65 years were included in the cross-sectional study. Lifelong occupational history was obtained through an interview. Job demands and job control in the longest-held occupation were graded with job exposure matrices. Psychosocial working conditions were classified into high strain (high demands, low control), low strain (low demands, high control), passive job (low demands, low control), and active job (high demands, high control). Well-being was assessed with the 10-item version of positive and negative affect schedule, and scored using confirmatory factor analysis. Engagement in leisure activities was categorized as low, moderate, and high. Data were analyzed using linear regression. Both high job control and high job demands were dose-dependently associated with higher well-being. Overall, compared to active jobs, passive jobs were associated with lower well-being (β −0.19, 95% CI −0.35 to −0.02, P = 0.028). Passive (β −0.28, 95% CI −0.51 to −0.04, P = 0.020) and high strain (β −0.31, 95% CI −0.52 to −0.10, P = 0.004) jobs were associated with lower well-being in men, but not in women. The association between passive jobs and well-being was attenuated by high leisure activities, while the association between high strain and well-being was magnified by low leisure activities. In conclusion, negative psychosocial working conditions are associated with poor well-being, especially in men. Leisure activities may modulate the association. Our study highlights that promoting favorable working conditions can be a target to improve well-being among employees and active participation in leisure activities is encouraged to cope with work-related stress for better well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many European countries, including Czechia and Slovakia, enforced restrictions on the movement of people. This paper demonstrates the structure of leisure activities during the pandemic in these two Central European countries. We used the Catalogue of Leisure Activities (CaLA), which allows a comparison of the structure of activities by independent variables. Two aims were stated: to examine and compare the structure of leisure activities of Czechs and Slovaks, including the gender and educational level differences, and to prove the functionality of CaLA in international research. Data was collected via an online questionnaire and were representative in both countries by age and gender. Pearson's χ2 was used to test statistical dependencies. Czechs and Slovaks differ significantly in leisure activities. No significant differences were found when comparing the leisure activities of men and women in both countries. On the contrary, education affected the structure of leisure activities significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeThis paper examines the effectiveness of culture-based activities in improving health-related outcomes among middle-aged and older adults. Based on the biopsychosocial model, this review aims to explore the impact of cultural engagement on health and well-being.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature review based on peer-reviewed articles retrieved from various electronic databases. In total, 11 studies were included in this review. Our study population consisted of healthy adults aged over 40 years.ResultsThe results provide evidence of positive association between cultural participation and better mental health (e.g., cognitive decline, depression, anxiety), frailty, resilience, well-being and social relations.ConclusionThis review suggests that cultural engagement serves as an effective means for individuals to maintain and enhance their health and well-being. The field is mostly limited by the heterogeneity of the studies and poor conceptualization of cultural activities. Thus, it is recommended that future research consider the effects of different cultural interventions in developing effective strategies for promoting healthy lifestyles and enhancing quality of life in later stages of life.