PARTICIPATION OF THE OLDER PEOPLE IN LEISURE ACTIVITIES:

WHAT RESTRICTS THEM?

Abstract

The research aims to understand the factors that restrict the participation of older people in leisure activities. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach carried out with 42 elderly people living in the community. To characterize the sample, a sociodemographic questionnaire was applied and, through telephone interviews, participants discussed the reasons that led them to stop performing, reduce or give up activities. Analysis of sociodemographic data was performed using simple descriptive statistics and the interviews were categorized into themes of common meanings. Most of the participants were female, married, living in the state of Rio de Janeiro, approximately 70 years old and with 10 years of schooling. In the analysis of the interviews, two broad thematic categories emerged: personal and environmental factors. In personal factors, intrinsic motivation, personality and purchasing power were associated with restriction. Related to the physical and social environments, insecurity, technology and attitudinal barriers contributed to the suspension of leisure. Understanding that the interrelation of environmental and personal factors is responsible for leisure restriction, it is possible to think of interventions aiming at healthy aging and occupational balance.