The purpose of this study was to examine how leisure activity types of the elderly could be divided and the differences of leisure activity participation rates of each type among demographic-social variables such as sex. age. scholastic ability level. life level. Furthermore. this study investigated the relationship among leisure activity participation rates of the elderly. depression. and suicidal thoughts. This study proposed three hypotheses to accomplish the aims. and tested those by literature review and empirical examination.
The results of this study as follows.
First. the results of descriptive analysis showed that leisure activity participation rates of the elderly were remarkably low as the mean of the leisure activity participation rates was 1.900. The mean of ‘simple whiling away activities' was the highest among five types of leisure activities and then there were ‘interchange of personnel activities'. 'social group activities'. 'learning activities'. and 'hobby-cultural activities' in order of the mean. The differences of leisure activity participation rates of each type according to age. scholastic ability level. life level were statistically significant as well. To put it concretely. the elderly are younger and have the high level of scholastic ability. they actively participate in leisure activities. Specially. the interchange of personnel activities participation rates of the elderly who have low level of scholastic ability and life are high and the hobby-cultural activities and social group activities participation rates of the elderly who have high level of scholastic ability and life are high.
Second. the results of regression analysis toward the relationship among leisure participate rates of the elderly. depression. and suicidal thoughts revealed that leisure participate rates negatively affected on depression. depression of the elderly had a positive effect. Therefore, the elderly may be able to prevent depression and suicidal thoughts by active leisure activities.