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Does the self-reported playfulness of older adults influence their wellbeing? An exploratory study
Parker, Callum Kennedy-Behr, Ann Wright, Shelley Brown, Ted
Parker, Callum
Kennedy-Behr, Ann
Wright, Shelley
Brown, Ted
Abstract
Aim: Older adults represent a growing demographic in Australia who are at an increased risk of isolation, loneliness, and experiencing poorer overall health. Thus, the need for understanding factors that influence older adults’ wellbeing is important. Emergent research into adult playfulness has shown positive associations with indicators of wellbeing, but limited research has been conducted in older adults (60+). This study investigated whether types of playfulness present in Australian older adults (60+) were predictive of their wellbeing.
Method: An online survey was administered (n = 123) using the Other-directed, Light-hearted, Intellectual, Whimsical (OLIW) Playfulness Scale and the PERMA-Profiler wellbeing measure to explore playfulness types and its influence on self-reported wellbeing. Multiple linear regression analysis with bootstrapping was completed to determine if any significant relationships between OLIW and PERMA-Profiler subscales existed.
Results: Playfulness was a significant predictor of wellbeing. The OLIW Other-directed subscale (enjoyment of others, using playfulness in tense situations) was the greatest predictor of PERMA-Profiler subscales with OLIW Intellectual and Whimsical subscales making smaller contributions.
Conclusion/implications: Playfulness was shown to be a significant contributor to wellbeing in older adults and should be used as a part of occupational therapy intervention, especially when considering social activities.
Keywords
human occupation, mental health, OLIW, PERMA-Profiler, play, playful, quality of life
Date
2023
Type
Journal article
Journal
Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy
Book
Volume
30
Issue
1
Page Range
86-97
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Allied Health
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled
Notes
© 2022 Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy Foundation.