Determinants of leisure participation among the Malay ethnic elderly in Malaysia

Leisure is an important domain of life regardless of age and is culturally constructed. In view of the various advantages can be gained from leisure, elderly people should be encouraged to actively participate in leisure activities. Objective: This study aims to explore the determinants of leisure participation among the Malay ethnic elderly in Malaysia. Design: A cross sectional study. Results: A total of 192 Malay elderly aged 60 years were purposively selected from four different districts in the state of Selangor. A validated Leisure Participation Questionnaire specific for Malaysian elderly was developed and used to measure leisure participation which consists of 25 activities, categorized into recreational (physical), cognitive, social and productive. Having conversations while relaxing which is from the social activity category was the most popular leisure activity (4.60±1.01) reported, whereas, playing golf which is a recreational (physical) activity was the least popular (0.01±0.14) leisure activity. The final predictive model showed perceived social support received from friends as the main predicting factor for leisure participation among the Malay elderly, with the strongest influence on recreational (physical) activity (Beta=0.343, p<0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that the Malay elderly in Malaysia frequently involve in social and cognitive activities during leisure. Their leisure participation was also strongly determined by the social support received from friends as compared from family members. Adequate attention should be given on social interaction between the elderly in any elderly-related activities, programmes and initiatives for the improvement and enhancement of the health of the senior citizens.

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