Leisure Spending Patterns and their Relationship with Mental Health in the Elderly in Iran

Abstract

Objectives: Older adults need vitality to survive. Entertainment and activity for the elderly creates a lively life, boost their self-esteem, and saves them from being inactive and unproductive, which will ultimately improve their mental health. This study aims was to determine the relationship between leisure spending patterns and mental health in the elderly Methods & Materials: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out on 413 elderly people aged ≥60 years, who were selected using a cluster random sampling method from four districts of Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using the standard General Health Questionnaire, and a researcher-made Leisure Spending Scale. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS V. 21 software using descriptive statistics (frequency, standard deviation) and statistical tests including Spearman correlation test and regression analysis. Results: The most frequent leisure activity was TV watching. There was a significant relationship between recreational and religious activities of elderly and their mental health (P<0.0001). Among the confounding factors, physical health had the most impact. Conclusion: Given the significant relationship of recreational and religious activities with the mental health of the elderly, planners should take the role of mosques, ḥosayniyas, and leisure facility providers such as municipalities, seriously. On the other hand, considering the impact of physical health on the relationship of leisure spending with mental health, it is necessary to provide opportunities to the elderly to participate in sports and recreational activities.