Abstract
145 participants in three types of programs for elderly persons were compared on leisure activities, attitudes toward leisure, social contacts, morale, and demographic variables. The results of discriminant function analyses indicate that older adults participating in RSVP (n = 30), recreation programs (n = 45), and nutrition programs (n = 70) differed in significant ways. Volunteers were highly active, service-oriented people who had fewer social contacts and placed less value on social activities. Recreation group members were sociable, fairly active people with stable living arrangements, who valued friendship and social contacts. Nutrition group members also valued social contacts, but they were much less active, experienced more difficulties with transportation and sensory-motor problems, and appeared to have somewhat lower morale. The patterns observed in the three programs were quite distinct. Development of future programs for elderly persons can be guided by avoiding duplication of service among existing programs and by focusing on possible need patterns of non-participating elderly.
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