Participation in Leisure and Well-being of the Elderly in Spain

Incidence of the Educational Level and the Importance of Leisure

Abstract

Numerous studies show that participation in leisure is fundamental for the well-being of the elderly. Fewer studies take into account the importance given to leisure as a mediating variable in the perception of well-being. However, more and more authors emphasize that knowing the value that people place on leisure is fundamental to understanding its impact on well-being. This study seeks to determine whether there is any relationship between the importance attributed to leisure, participation in this area and the perception of well-being, considering whether this importance is mediated by the level of education. A quantitative methodological design was used, based on a survey applied to a sample of 1213 elderly people (65-74 years old) living in Spain. In addition to the sociodemographic variables, the questionnaire includes two large sections dedicated to participation and the importance given to leisure and well-being (subjective, psychological and social). The results confirm that the importance attributed to leisure varies according to the level of studies and that this importance is related to the participation or absence of leisure. This is crucial, insofar as practicing a leisure activity is associated with higher levels of well-being than not practicing it.