Abstract
Participation in seniors' online communities is a significant trend in elders' leisure use of the Internet. Based on an online survey of 218 members of 16 communities, this study explored the experience of participation in such communities. Results identified seven psychological benefits resulting from participation, the most salient being 'Joyfulness', 'Stimulation' and 'Companionship'. Analysis also revealed various positive impacts on members' offline social life, interests and activities, as well as instrumental contribution. Negative experiences and several constraints to participation were discovered as well. Still, the findings suggest that the communities offer various mechanisms for enhancing seniors' well-being and promoting successful ageing.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 247-266 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Journal | Leisure Studies |
| Volume | 33 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Jan 2014 |
Keywords
- E-leisure
- Internet
- older adults
- psychological well-being
- successful ageing
- virtual communities
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geography, Planning and Development
- Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management