英文摘要 |
This study systematically reviewed published research on the associations between leisuretime activities (LTA) and health benefits, specifically focusing on an Asian context—an aspect highlighted for further investigation in the literature on LTA effects. Our study emphasizes the benefits for Taiwanese older adults in engaging in a wider range of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and leisure-time recreational activities (LTRA) to achieve desired health benefits. Cultural activity preferences and space issues among older adults in Taiwan were considered in this approach. Three research questions were addressed: (RQ 1) How does LTA participation among older adults in Taiwan predict health benefits? (RQ 2) How do Taiwanese older adults’patterns of engaging in LTA relate to later health benefits? (RQ 3) Do the relationships between LTA and health benefits vary by gender among Taiwanese older adults? A comprehensive literature search was conducted for both English and Chinese databases, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Airiti. Quality assessment was performed using the quantitative assessment tool QualSyst. This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) with the number CRD42023461515. This review included 39 articles, all with good-to-strong quality. Although the participation in any type of LTA have health benefits for Taiwanese older adults, LTPA tended to predict more benefits for better physical function, lower risk of mortality, and better psychosocial well-being. On the other hand, LTRA was associated with more indicators for psychosocial well-being, such as fewer depressive symptoms and a lower risk of cognitive decline. Like older adults from Western countries, Taiwanese older adults may benefit from higher intensities of LTPA participation. However, a more culturally appropriate approach for Taiwanese or Asian older adults to achieve desired health benefits involves engaging in a greater variety of LTPA and LTRA. Furthermore, early engagement and continuing increases in intensity, frequency, or variety of LTPA and LTRA may provide greater physical and psychological health benefits. Finally, older men and older women benefit from LTPA longitudinally; older women benefited more than older men from LTRA. Even older adults with poor baseline health could benefit from increasing LTPA and LTRA participation. In light of these findings, policymakers in Taiwan, as well as in other Asian countries, are encouraged to recognize LTPA as a fundamental activity for older adults, and supplement it with LTRA. Promoting healthy aging can be an effective strategy for enhancing the well-being of Asian older adults. |