Abstract
Purpose: To explore ‘how’ and ‘why’ engagement patterns change throughout older adulthood. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods design was employed. Quantitative methods included 54 community-dwelling older adults (mean age = 79.17 years, age range = 65-97 years), 42 of which were included in the qualitative methods. Past and present weekly participation was documented in 30 activities (i.e., reading) on a four-point Likert scale (1 – never to 4 – often). Differences in participation were examined through a 3 (Age: 65-74 vs. 75-84 vs. 85+ years) x 2 (Time: past vs. present) x 4 (Activity Type: productive vs. social vs. passive vs. active) mixed ANOVA. Separate 3-way mixed ANOVAs were conducted within activity types to examine differences in specific activities. Qualitative fundamental description was used to understand ‘why’ engagement changes during older adulthood through (6) focus groups and (16) semi-structured interviews. Textual data was inductively analyzed for the emergence of themes through the constant comparison of meaning units. Results: Analyses revealed a decrease in productive participation with increased age (p = 0.003), and a decrease in specific productive pursuits within a five-year time frame: volunteer work (p = 0.033), care for others (p = 0.042), employment (p = 0.001), home repairs (p = 0.002), and heavy housework (p = 0.002). Similarly, a decrease in active leisure participation was reported over the previous five years (p = 0.005). No changes in social or passive leisure participation were identified. Explanations of engagement patterns were provided through qualitative analyses: (1) health, (2) death, (3) freedom, (4) desire, and (5) external factors. Conclusion: Older adults decrease productive and active leisure participation, while maintaining social and passive leisure activities. These patterns may reflect changes in health status, the death of social contacts/one’s spouse, the ‘freedom’ of later life, changes in desire, or various external influences.Acknowledgments: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council