Role of recreational activities on the perception of well-being among older adults in Ilorin South Council Area, Kwara State, and its implications for social work in Nigeria

Abstract

In the history of human development, both men and women have devised various means available in their efforts to prolong life which may include taking of special diet, building special social relationships, or involvement in recreational activities especially during old age. This has become an aspect of social work developmental approach designed to optimize physical functioning, reduce disabilities/diseases and enhance older adult’s adjustment to the social environment. The study examined the role of recreational activities on well-being perception among older adults in Ilorin South Council Area, and its implications for social work education in Nigeria. The study adopted a multi-stage sampling procedure with data collected through the questionnaire with 156 respondents (aged 60 years and above). Data collected were thereafter analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings from the study revealed that recreational activities have tremendous potential psychotherapeutic benefits, especially in reducing the risk of a sedentary lifestyle and mortality among older adults. Equally, educational/residential status and other socio-demographic variables were found to have a positive association with the well-being perception of older adults’ participation in recreational activities. Social workers, therefore, ensure that all constraints to participation in recreational activities by older adults are promptly addressed.