Leisure time activities and mental health among Iranian elderly people: a population-based study in Tehran

Background: Leisure activity helps the elderly to improve their physical and mental health, self-esteem, and creativity. The aim of the current study is to assess interlink between the leisure activity and mental health in elderly people. Materials & Method: This research is a cross-sectional study. Cluster sampling method has been used to select 413 people over 60 years old from 5 different zones of Tehran. The data were collected using GHQ 15-question survey, Nagi questionnaire and a questionnaire that its reliability and validity were approved by (CVR), (CVI), and split half respectively. Our data has been analyzed using spearman correlation, and regression analysis in SPSS21. Results: The study is evaluating the types of leisure activity in elderly people, their physical and mental health status, and the relation between mental health and leisure activities. The regression analysis of leisure activity and mental health showed a statistical relationship between them. The relation between recreation and religious activities was significant in the absence of confounding factors but only religious activities were associated with mental health in presence of confounding factors. Among the confounding factors, physical health imposed the most significant effect. Conclusion: Considering the determinative effect of physical health on the types of leisure activity, and the significant relation between the types of the elderly’s leisure activity and their mental health, it is necessary to have a comprehensive planning in their physical health. Regarding religious activities influence on mental health in elderly people, the role of sanctuary places is significant.