A Study on the Nature of Elderly’s Activities, Factors Affecting Involvement and Reasons/ Benefits of Participation

Abstract

This thesis is a qualitative study on the nature of activities performed by the elderly, their reasons for participating or not participating and the benefits they derive from participating in community activities. With the challenges posed by the phenomenon of population aging, it is important to realize what these activities are which would add ‘life to the elderly years’. This study aims to describe the nature of activities by the elderly in the community; to determine the factors which influence the nature and extent of involvement by the elderly in community activities; and to determine the reasons for participation and benefits derived from it. With these objectives, 24 female and 10 male elderly respondents were chosen using purposive and convenience sampling. The respondents were asked to answer a questionnaire on their activities (includes a checklist and demographic questions). Responses were tabulated according to categories of activities and were further analyzed using chi-square test. Results showed that most respondents perform leisure and religious among other activities. Majority of the respondents are inactive in community activities. Results showed that the elderly are limited by their health and their lack of time, resulting to low participation in community activities. Respondents who participated in community activities derive benefits from participation, mostly fulfillment gain trust (emotional/psychological benefit). Chi-square results showed that age and employment status were found to influence the nature of activities. None of the socio-demographic variables however, were found to affect participation in community activities. The elderly respondents are able to remain active in old age by substituting less strenuous’ less expensive activities for previous/ middle-aged activities. Those who are inactive in the community have health problems or may lack time contrary to what results of previous studies say.