As the Chinese population ages, concerns are raised over the wellbeing of its elderly. Leisure has been shown to play a significant role in the physical and psychological wellbeing of older adults (Broughton et al, 2016; Heo et al, 2010), yet not all older adults have access to leisure (Liechty & Genoe, 2013). This study explored the constraints that limit the leisure activities of Chinese older adults and analyzed the differences in perception of these constraints by demographic characteristics. Residents from three communities of Suzhou, China aged 55+ were surveyed (N = 285) during July 17–20, 2016. A questionnaire containing 18 constraints to leisure participation were assessed by the respondents using a 5 point Likert-type scale. A factor analysis of responses yielded four constraint factors (Cronbach’s alpha=0.80, accumulated variance=81.24%): (1) subjective and social factor (6 items, leisure awareness, consumption habit, care giving and interpersonal relations with children and friends), (2) health (4 items, physical health, injury and health accident perception and health care), (3) support service (4 items, management, leisure education, guidance and information access) and (4) facilities (4 items, leisure space, environment, leisure facilities and community-level organizations). A one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences between living state, health, marriage, leisure expenditure, income with the four factors. Suggestions were proposed to address the problems: including the introduction of leisure education, the provision of facilities, the accessibility of affordable products, the availably of health care, and the encouragement of leisure industry provision for older adults.
展开▼
