Leisure activities and social relationships among community-dwelling older adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how social relationships affect participation in leisure activities among community-dwelling older adults. We conducted a survey by mail among 1,587 older adults living in Ayase City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The analysis revealed that bonding social capital is positively associated with appreciation, music, and tourism activities, but is negatively associated with game activities. In addition, bridging social capital is negatively associated with cultural and tourism activities. In addition, ongoing contact with neighbors is positively associated with sports, cultural, and nature activities. In conclusion, the relationship between leisure activities and social relationships have various aspects. In order to promote leisure activities among community-dwelling older adults, it is important that occupational therapists focus on the characteristics of social relationships of older adults in the target community.