Life Satisfaction and Activity Involvement: Implications for Leisure Service

Abstract

One hundred twenty-four subjects, 65 years of age or older, were stratified by race, sex and geographic location (urban, suburban, rural) according to census tracts of the State of Maryland. Subjects were interviewed by researchers using a Life Satisfaction Index, Adult Activities Inventory and a Demographic Variable Sheet as guidelines. Demographic variables of interest in the study were location of residence, sex, race, age grouping, length of residence at current address, type of residence, educational level, marital status and income level. Significant regression relationships were found between life satisfaction and activity, health, leisure activities and social contacts. Religious activity and perceived security had no effect upon satisfaction. Further, regression analysis found no significant relationship between activity breadth or frequency and life satisfaction. Chi-square analyses revealed significant relationships between life satisfaction and activity; life satisfaction and education; and sex and activity level.