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Assimilative and Accommodative Coping and Older People's Leisure Activities
Anu Tourunen1, Sini Siltanen1, Erja Portegijs1
1Gerontology Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
Journal of Aging and Health
|June 4, 2019
Summary
Older adults with tenacious goal pursuit (TGP) maintain leisure activity despite lower physical performance. Flexibility in goal adjustment did not show similar effects, highlighting persistence for activity in later life.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology of Aging
- Leisure Studies
Background:
- Limited research exists on coping strategies, specifically assimilative and accommodative, in relation to older adults' leisure activities.
- Tenacious goal pursuit (TGP) and flexible goal adjustment (FGA) are key coping mechanisms that may influence how physical performance impacts engagement in leisure.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for promoting active aging and well-being in later life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of tenacious goal pursuit (TGP) and flexible goal adjustment (FGA) on the association between physical performance and leisure activity participation in older adults.
- To determine if goal pursuit strategies moderate the relationship between objective physical function and engagement in diverse leisure activities.
- To identify specific coping strategies that support sustained participation in leisure activities among community-dwelling elderly.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 187 community-dwelling older adults aged 79–93 years.
- Data collection included questionnaires assessing tenacious goal pursuit (TGP), flexible goal adjustment (FGA), and leisure activity participation.
- Physical performance was objectively measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB).
Main Results:
- Tenacious goal pursuit (TGP) significantly moderated the relationship between physical performance and leisure activity participation.
- Individuals with high TGP maintained near-average leisure activity levels even with low physical performance, unlike those with low TGP.
- Lack of high TGP was specifically linked to reduced participation in outdoor and group activities outside the home; FGA did not show similar moderating effects.
Conclusions:
- Persistence in goal pursuit, characterized by tenacious goal pursuit (TGP), appears more critical than flexibility for older adults to remain active in their leisure time.
- TGP may buffer the negative impact of declining physical function on engagement in social and outdoor leisure activities.
- Interventions aimed at promoting active aging should consider fostering persistent goal pursuit strategies in older populations.
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