Demographic differences in the correlation between leisure activities and IADL in widowed older adults - a network analysis

BACKGROUND: To construct and visualize network associations between different kinds of leisure activities and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) levels of widowed older adults, and compare the difference in widowed elderly with different demographics. METHODS: This was a national cross-sectional study derived from CLHLS in 2018, consisting of 8594 widowed older adults. Network analysis was used to explore the relationship between different types of leisure activities and IADL. RESULTS: Male, 65-84 years old, living in urban and living alone were more likely to participate in leisure activities. LA1(Housework), LA4(Visit and interact with friends) and LA10(Watch TV/listen to radio) were associated with IADL in widowed older adults. LA1 and LA12(Square dance) were more strongly associated with IADL in women and LA9 (Play cards/mahjong) in men. LA6(Garden work) and LA8(Raise domestic animals) were strongly correlated with IADL in widowed aged 65-84 years, while LA1 and LA4 were found in aged ≥85 years. LA5(Other outdoor activity) and LA11(Social activities) had a strong correlation with IADL in urban widowed elderly people. LA1 and LA4 were strongly correlated with IADL in widowed who did not live alone, and LA8 and LA9 in widowed who live alone. CONCLUSIONS: When determining the types of leisure activities that are most needed, gender, age, place of residence, and whether or not they live alone, should be taken into account to create a supportive environment for meaningful and valuable leisure activities for widowed older persons with different characteristics to promote healthy aging.