[Activity level, boredom, health and participative climate in nursing homes]

In this paper an analysis is presented of factors accounting for differences in levels of boredom and activities of residents of homes for the aged. Eighty respondents in two homes for the aged were interviewed. Results indicate that residents with a positive perception of the participatory climate report lower levels of boredom but do not participate in activities more often than other residents. Moreover, persons who report psychological distress report higher levels of boredom. Other factors such as age, gender and level of activity do not seem to be related to boredom. It also appears that actual participation in activities is only predicted by age and two health indicators: health perception and ADL/HDL score. Persons who are younger and persons who report a better health situation participate more often in activities.