Recreation
Life satisfaction
Some activities have stronger correlations with life satisfaction than others. These include social, outdoor, and sports activities. Moreover, the importance of these activities varies by age group. For example, sports, travel, and outdoor activities are most important to people aged 55-64, while involvement in community organizations, culture, arts, and travel are most important to people aged 65-74. Home-based activities and informal social activities are most important to people aged 75 and older.
Research has demonstrated that engaging in physical leisure activities helps prevent disease, improves overall health, and significantly reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer, and diabetes mellitus. Recreational and leisure activities also positively influence mental health by facilitating coping behaviors (e.g., perception of available social support) in response to stressful life events and daily hassles.
Updated: November 2, 2007
