Perceived Constraints to Leisure-Time Activity among the Elderly

Abstract

The elderly are in an important period in their lives as substantial changes occur with regard to leisure and family roles. Changes may be complicated by a variety of factors such as being empty nested, economic adjustments, being responsible for a single-parent household, the changing socio-demographic composition, the lack of an elderly-friendly environment and physical infrastructure necessary for an ageing population. Hence, the purpose of the study was to establish the factors that constrain the elderly from participating in desired leisure activities. A structured questionnaire relating to leisure constraints were administered to 75 respondents within the age category of 60-69 years. An 11-item scale was developed using exploratory factor analysis along three dimensions, namely, time and security, economic and structural, and personal constraints. Time, the ageing process and poor health conditions seem to strongly prohibit the elderly in leisure activity participation. The elderly also vary in their perceptions of constraints in terms of population groups, education levels and gender. Decision-makers in leisure and recreation need to endorse and acknowledge these constraints in order to facilitate effective implementation of policies and strategies in order to mitigate the impact of these constraints.