Recreational activity behavior of the elderly in Samut Songkhram province Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study recreational activity behavior of the elderly in Samut Songkhram province Thailand. This cross-sectional study included 400 elderly in Samut Songkhram province who had participated in recreational activities. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
The results revealed that most participants were female (58.0%), aged 60 - 69 years (64.0 %). Most were at the elementary school level (52.5 %), and have non-full-time job (83.0%).
The participants had recreational activity behavior as the following. The reasons for participating in the activity were to meet and greet (58.8%). Number of times participating in activities in the past 1 month were 10 – 15 times (56.0%). Time spent on each activity was 30 – 60 minutes (52.5%). Time period of participation in the activity was in the afternoon (53.8%). Frequency of participation in activities was 3 – 4 times a week (52.0%). Places used for activities were subdistrict health promotion hospitals (60.0%). The information about recreational activity behavior of the elderly may be used for planning and creating suitable recreation activities for elderly people in Samut Songkhram province Thailand.