Meaningful Activity in Older Adults: Being in Flow

Abstract The provision of leisure services for older adults is complicated considering the great diversity of needs and experiences of older adults. This article reports on a study that investigated whether challenging older adults to set a goal and participate more in an activity of their choice increases flow. Information concerning flow conditions experienced during recreation, Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ASL/IADL) was collected using the Experience Sampling Method. Data were analyzed from a situational perspective. The flow state was shown to increase by requesting the subjects to set a goal. Inclusion of both ASL/IADL and recreation in the activities chosen by subjects suggests that the type of activity is not as important as the perception and meaning the activity has to the older adult. Proposals for future research are presented.

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