Determinants of Leisure Behavior Among Retired Adults

Authors

  • Mark S Searle
  • Seppo E Iso-Ahola

Keywords:

Retired Adults, Leisure Behavior, Health Status, Leisure Attitudes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess a particular model of leisure behavior for those 55 and older who were retired. The model was not intended to be comprehensive but focused on three independent variables: Self-assessed health status; the degree of choice one had in becoming retired; and, leisure attitude. Data were drawn from a larger study of individuals aged 55 and over conducted in 1986 in Manitoba, Canada using a self-completed questionnaire. There were 340 subjects in the sub-sample used for this analysis. The results indicated support for two of the four hypotheses tested. Self-assessed health had significant direct effects on leisure behavior as did leisure attitude. However, the choice one had in becoming retired had no effect on leisure behavior. Finally, leisure attitude did not mediate the effects of present health status or choice in becoming retired on leisure behavior. Implications for theory, future research, and practice are discussed with particular attention to the issue of retirement policy and pre-retirement counseling.

Published

1988-04-01

Issue

Section

Regular Papers