A Study of Leisure Walking on Mental Health and Health Perception among Older Adults

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dc.contributor.advisorKim, Junhyoung
dc.contributor.advisorHodges, Janet S.
dc.contributor.authorHan, Areum
dc.contributor.committeeMemberLitchke, Lyn G.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberLi, Yumeng
dc.date.accessioned2019-12-04T16:23:23Z
dc.date.available2019-12-04T16:23:23Z
dc.date.issued2019-12
dc.description.abstract<p>This study determined intensity levels of leisure walking that affect mental health and health perception among older adults participating in different intensity levels of leisure walking groups. Using the 2017 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data, 4,737 individuals aged 65 and above participating in leisure walking were extracted through a purposive sampling method. This study classified three groups based on an intensity level of leisure walking such as light walking, moderate walking, and vigorous walking. In order to compare group differences in leisure walking intensity level by demographic characteristics, t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used.</p> <p>As a result of t-test, there were significant differences in intensity levels of leisure walking based on gender categories (t = 3.55, p < .001) and distress experience (t = -2.12, p < .05). As a result of ANOVA, there were significant differences in intensity levels of leisure walking by three different age groups (F = 4.974, p < .01). One-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was utilized to compare group differences in mental health and health perception by intensity levels of leisure walking. As a result of MANOVA, there were significant differences in mental health and health perception among three groups of older adults. Older adults who participated in the moderateintensity level of leisure walking reported better mental health than those individuals who participated in the light intensity level of leisure walking (F = 7.84, η2 = .003, p < .001). Older adults who participated in vigorous and moderate-intensity levels of leisure walking activity reported better health perception than those individuals who participated in the light intensity levels of leisure walking activity (F = 29.63, η2 = .012, p < .001).</p> <p>This study suggested that participation in the increased intensity levels of leisure walking served as an important vehicle for promoting positive health outcomes (e, g., psychological wellness) among older adults. Engagement in the vigorous and moderate intensity of leisure walking contributed to improved mental health and health perception among older adults. Leisure service providers and recreational therapists can help different older age groups decrease negative psychological symptoms (e. g., depression and anxiety) and enhance mental health and health perception by designing and implementing vigorous and moderate levels of leisure walking activities. Keywords: Leisure walking, mental health, health perception, older adults.</p>
dc.description.departmentHealth and Human Performance
dc.formatText
dc.format.extent57 pages
dc.format.medium1 file (.pdf)
dc.identifier.citationHan, A. (2019). <i>A study of leisure walking on mental health and health perception among older adults</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10877/9003
dc.language.isoen
dc.subjectLeisure walking
dc.subjectMental health
dc.subjectHealth perception
dc.subjectOlder adults
dc.subject.lcshOlder people--Exercise--Attitudes
dc.subject.lcshFitness walking
dc.titleA Study of Leisure Walking on Mental Health and Health Perception among Older Adults
dc.typeThesis
thesis.degree.departmentHealth and Human Performance
thesis.degree.disciplineTherapeutic Recreation
thesis.degree.grantorTexas State University
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Science in Recreation and Leisure Services

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