Evolution of leisure patterns and their relationship with life satisfaction in a highly ageing context

This study aims to understand better the leisure patterns of different age groups and their relationship with life satisfaction (understood as the attitudes towards one’s own ageing process). A total of 1047 people over the age of 18, residing in Galicia (Spain), participated in this research. This study highlights significant differences in leisure patterns when comparing older adults with other age groups. Likewise, when comparisons are made within the group of older people, it is observed that passive leisure increases in the older groups while cultural and physical leisure decreases. The importance of leisure as a predictor of a more positive perception of ageing is confirmed. The findings highlight the importance of promoting policies that enhance active, diverse leisure among older individuals, especially cultural and physical leisure, to improve perceptions of ageing and well-being.