Lewensgeluk en lewenskwaliteit se verband met veroudering en deelname aan vryetydsaktiwiteite

Abstract

A great concern for society is how to maintain happiness and quality of life among the elderly. As a person ages, certain changes occur in one's life. Some of these changes can be prevented or slowed and others are unpreventable. Most of the changes that can be prevented are indicators of happiness and quality of life. Research has shown that participation in recreation activities is a strong indicator for happiness and quality of life. Research in this area has been limited and the relation between the different types of recreation activities and happiness and quality of life among the elderly has not yet been properly clarified. A sample consisted of 100 men (31) and women (69) aged 53-84 years and represented the elderly in Carletonville, a town in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. To indicate the differences between the variables, one-way analysis of variance, Newman-Keuls post hoc comparisons and two-way analysis of variance were used. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to determined the variance of health status. Practical significance was determined by means of effect size, in instances where inter-group differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Statistical significant (p < 0.05) relation between the experimental group and the control group in their participation in recreation activities and happiness and quality of life is shown. Also was found a higher health status in the experimental group. Thus could be said that Club 50 members have a higher happiness and quality of life experience than that of the control group.



Keywords: Physical activity, Social activity, Quality of life, Happiness, Elderly, Aged, Recreational behaviour, Benefits


South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation Vol.26(2) 2004: 51-65