Factors associated with leisure activities of elderly residents in rural areas

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify factors associated with leisure activities of elderly residents in rural areas. Method: Quantitative cross-sectional study carried out with 258 elderly living in the rural area of Paraná. The collection instrument addressed sociodemographic, economic, and self-reported leisure activities. The association between variables and leisure activities was verified by means of bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Among the elderly interviewed, 63.9% were female, and 36.1% were male, with an average of 68.3 years old (± 5.8 years). Participation in leisure activities was high (79.8%), and the factors associated with their practice were: marital status, gender, and education. Conclusion: Considering that the practice of leisure activities promotes better living and health conditions, we reinforce the need to implement actions and instruments that provide individual and collective leisure in rural areas.