Exploring Activity Interests of Older People with Low-Income

Abstract

Older people living on low incomes may experience inequitable access to activities they find interesting because they may live in homes with even fewer resources and may not be able to afford to participate in the activities they enjoy. The aim of this study was to explore the interests of older people living on low incomes living in residential homes. We used a cross-sectional analytic study design and the Interest Checklist to investigate the activity interests of 82 older people with low incomes in 9 residential homes in Cape Town, South Africa. Findings revealed 27 activities they were most interested in, within five categories: musical, everyday, social, free time, and religious or cultural activities. There were few statistically significant differences between men and women, or between residents with different levels of independence. Understanding the interests of older people with low incomes is a first step toward creating opportunities for participation, and growing well-developed individual interests.