This study makes a significant contribution to the field of psychology and gerontology by examining the influence of recreational activities and gender on attitudes toward self, depression, anxiety, and coping in older people. It also investigates whether attitudes toward selfcan predict depression, anxiety, and coping mechanisms among older adults. This cross-sectional study involved 168 retired males (N=88) and females (N=80) aged 61-75 years from Kolkata, West Bengal. Participants engaged in either active or passive recreational activities. They were assessed using the Attitude Towards Self Scale (ATS), COPE Inventory, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Death Anxiety Questionnaire (DAQ). Data were analysed using Linear Regression and ANOVA to explore variable relationships.
The findings revealed that gender and type of recreational activity significantly affected coping strategies, with males and those engaging in active activities showing higher positive growth and instrumental coping scores. Passive activity participants reported more significant depression and death anxiety. Regression analysis indicated that various domains of attitudes toward self were substantial predictors of coping strategies, death anxiety, and depression. The findings of this study underscore the need for practitioners and researchers in the field to actively promote and encourage elderly individuals to participate in active recreational activities. Your role in promoting such engagement is crucial, as it improves psychosocial factors and overall well-being andfunctioning. These findings will provide valuable insights, empowering you to make a difference in the mental health ofelderly individuals.
Recreation, Elderly, Coping, Depression, Anxiety
