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Background <p>People in the second half of life have an increased risk of loneliness due to low population density and limited available leisure opportunities in Brandenburg. Both the type of leisure activities and the extent of social interaction during these activities influence the risk of loneliness and can improve subjective well-being.</p> Objective <p>The aim of this study was to examine the leisure behaviour of people aged 40 and older in Brandenburg and to analyse its impact on loneliness.</p> Materials and methods <p>Between May and July 2024, a&#xa0;total of 567 online and paper questionnaires were collected from people aged 40 and older living in Brandenburg. The questionnaire consisted of 115 items divided into four thematic sections. Data were analysed using descriptive methods and inferential statistical analyses using stepwise multiple linear regression analyses.</p> Results <p>Regression analyses indicated that increasing age (β = −0.144, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.01), a&#xa0;subjectively better-rated health status (β = −0.231, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), and greater satisfaction with financial income (β = −0.112, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) are significantly associated with lower loneliness. Conversely, engaging in activities alone increases loneliness (β = 0.170, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.01), while participating in joint leisure activities significantly reduces loneliness (β = −0.608, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Joint leisure activities are positively influenced by cohabitation (β = 0.285, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) and satisfaction with available leisure opportunities (β = 0.250, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). In contrast, individuals living alone (β = −0.232, <i>p</i> = 0.001), women (β = 0.138, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05), and those who frequently use media for social contact (β = 0.161, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) are more likely to engage in leisure activities alone.</p> Conclusion <p>Leisure activities carried out together and alone are influenced differentially by different factors. With regard to the subjective feeling of loneliness, participation in activities together has been found to have the strongest protective effect. Further research is needed to differentiate the mechanisms of action by which leisure activities affect feelings of loneliness in rural areas. A&#xa0;systematic survey of regional leisure needs could be used as a&#xa0;basis for targeted communal leisure activities and, thus, make a&#xa0;preventive contribution to reducing feelings of loneliness.</p>

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Freizeitgestaltung und Einsamkeitsempfinden in der 2. Lebenshälfte: Horizontale Fragebogenerhebung in Brandenburg

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月12日

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  • Nadine Bessel,
  • Franziska Weißenstein,
  • Lukas Kühn,
  • Kyung-Eun Anna Choi,
  • Claudia Diederichs,
  • Edmund Neugebauer,
  • Lara Kleist

摘要

Background

People in the second half of life have an increased risk of loneliness due to low population density and limited available leisure opportunities in Brandenburg. Both the type of leisure activities and the extent of social interaction during these activities influence the risk of loneliness and can improve subjective well-being.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the leisure behaviour of people aged 40 and older in Brandenburg and to analyse its impact on loneliness.

Materials and methods

Between May and July 2024, a total of 567 online and paper questionnaires were collected from people aged 40 and older living in Brandenburg. The questionnaire consisted of 115 items divided into four thematic sections. Data were analysed using descriptive methods and inferential statistical analyses using stepwise multiple linear regression analyses.

Results

Regression analyses indicated that increasing age (β = −0.144, p < 0.01), a subjectively better-rated health status (β = −0.231, p < 0.001), and greater satisfaction with financial income (β = −0.112, p < 0.05) are significantly associated with lower loneliness. Conversely, engaging in activities alone increases loneliness (β = 0.170, p < 0.01), while participating in joint leisure activities significantly reduces loneliness (β = −0.608, p < 0.001). Joint leisure activities are positively influenced by cohabitation (β = 0.285, p < 0.001) and satisfaction with available leisure opportunities (β = 0.250, p < 0.001). In contrast, individuals living alone (β = −0.232, p = 0.001), women (β = 0.138, p < 0.05), and those who frequently use media for social contact (β = 0.161, p < 0.05) are more likely to engage in leisure activities alone.

Conclusion

Leisure activities carried out together and alone are influenced differentially by different factors. With regard to the subjective feeling of loneliness, participation in activities together has been found to have the strongest protective effect. Further research is needed to differentiate the mechanisms of action by which leisure activities affect feelings of loneliness in rural areas. A systematic survey of regional leisure needs could be used as a basis for targeted communal leisure activities and, thus, make a preventive contribution to reducing feelings of loneliness.