The effect of therapeutic recreational activity participation on elders' to perceived leisure satisfaction, life satisfaction and quality of life

In the study, relationships between perceived leisure satisfaction resulting from therapeutic recreation activity participations and life satisfaction of elders' are investigated. Perceived life satisfaction and quality of life relationships are tried to be determined. Besides, the study aims to present sub-dimensions related to elders' leisure participation, leisure satisfaction, life satisfaction and quality of life. In addition to these aims, demographic and socio-economic characteristic differences are researched. In the thesis, the survey that includes 608 participants in 60 years of age and beyond the age of 60 groups is applied. The survey consists leisure participation, leisure satisfaction, life satisfaction and quality of life scales. Factors are determined by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The research model is explained via Structural Equation Modelling. The model results demonstrate that therapeutic recreational activity participation is in relationship with leisure satisfaction, perceived leisure satisfaction is in relationship with life satisfaction and perceived life satisfaction is in relationship with quality of life. Since, direct relationship between leisure participations and quality of life could not be found. It is stated that here might be indirect relationship. Furthermore, demographic and socio-economic characteristics significantly affect satisfaction perceptions. The research findings suggest that therapeutic programs should be created in order to maintain better quality of life. The factors that can increase perceived life satisfaction could be investigated in future studies. Key Words: therapeutic recreation, elderly, leisure participation, leisure satisfaction, life satisfaction, quality of life, structural equation modelling.