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Impact Factor:1.660 | Ranking:Gerontology 14 out of 32 | Health Policy & Services 33 out of 74
Source:2016 Release of Journal Citation Reports, Source: 2015 Web of Science Data

Remaining Active in Later Life

The Role of Locus of Control in Seniors' Leisure Activity Participation, Health, and Life Satisfaction

  1. Verena H. Menec, PhD
    1. University of California, Los Angeles
  1. Judith G. Chipperfield, PhD
    1. University of Manitoba

Abstract

Although the physical and psychological benefits of feeling in control are well-documented in the research literature, the mechanisms that account for these effects have received less attention. The present study was designed to examine the potential mediating role of exercising and participation in nonphysical leisure activities, such as attending cultural events, involvement in volunteer organizations, and so on, in the relation between perceived control and well-being in seniors. The results indicated that an internal locus of control was positively related to exercising and participation in leisure activities. Exercising and leisure activity participation, in turn, were predictive of better perceived health and greater life satisfaction. These findings point to the potential benefits of increasing seniors' sense of control as a means to promote exercising and to increase leisure activity participation and, consequently, to enhance well-being.

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