Restorative Activities of Community-Dwelling Elders

This study was conducted to identify the restorative activities of community-dwelling elders. Exposure to restorative activities, such as observing nature, is associated with improved concentration, more effective cognitive functioning, and feelings of greater mental energy, peacefulness, and refres...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Western journal of nursing research 2004-06, Vol.26 (4), p.381-399
Main Authors: Jansen, Debra A., von Sadovszky, Victoria
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activity preferences
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aging
Altruism
Attention
Categorization
Cognition Disorders - prevention & control
Cognitive functioning
Cognitive processes
Community
Community living
Connectedness
Content analysis
Creative processes
Cultural activities
Elderly people
Female
Health Promotion
Human Activities
Humans
Male
Mental Health
Midwestern United States
Multiculturalism & pluralism
Natural landscapes
Nursing
Older people
Physical activity
Spirituality
Travel
Well being
Wellbeing
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This study was conducted to identify the restorative activities of community-dwelling elders. Exposure to restorative activities, such as observing nature, is associated with improved concentration, more effective cognitive functioning, and feelings of greater mental energy, peacefulness, and refreshment. Little literature exists regarding the types and benefits of restorative activities engaged in by elders, a group in need of means to promote optimal daily functioning. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Thirty (28 women, 2 men) community-dwelling elders (ages 65 to 92 years) were interviewed using open-ended questions to ascertain their perceptions of restorative activities. A content analysis of themes produced 12 categories of restorative activities: creative outlets, altruism, nature, social connections, cognitive challenges, physical activity, reading, family connections, spirituality and reflection, cultural activities, travel, and other activities. Additional studies with larger, culturally diverse samples and more men are warranted before implementing restorative interventions with elders in the hopes of promoting optimal functioning and well-being.
ISSN:0193-9459
1552-8456
DOI:10.1177/0193945904263010