Recreational Participation of Elderly Residents in Old Age Homes in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Recreational activities are essential for a pleasant life and improved quality of life as people age. While the global population is aging rapidly, Bangladesh is also seeing a shift where traditional family systems are changing, leading more seniors to live in old age homes. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the recreational participation of elderly residents in old age homes in Bangladesh. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 126 participants using the Leisure Activity Participation Scale (LAPS) and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). Data were analyzed via SPSS version 20. Result: This study analyzed 126 residents. Using the Leisure Activity Participation Scale (LAPS), the mean participation score was found to be 51.81 (±9.09), indicating a moderate level, though 88.9% relied on passive relaxation. Mental well-being, measured by the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), showed a mean score of 48.33 (±5.55), with 90.5% of participants falling within the 'Normal' range. Statistical tests confirmed that both gender (p=0.001) and monthly income (p=0.002) significantly impact recreational engagement. Conclusion: The study concludes that although residents maintain stable mental well being, their recreation is mostly limited to passive relaxation. Significant disparities based on gender and income suggest a need for more inclusive planning. Transitioning to structured, active Occupational Therapy programs is essential to enhance their psychological health, functional independence, and overall quality of life in the long term Keyword: Activities of Daily Living, Old Age, Quality of life, Recreational activity.