Moderating Effect of Leisure Satisfaction on the Association between Loneliness and Subjective Wellbeing among Older Adults

This study explores the role of leisure satisfaction as a potential moderator in the relationship between feelings of loneliness and subjective wellbeing among older adults. Data were drawn from a survey of a stratified random sample of residents living in a southwestern region of Ontario, Canada, during the fall of 2022, and focused on respondents who are 65 years of age and older (n = 1,391). Results of moderation analyses suggest that leisure satisfaction significantly mitigates the negative association between feelings of loneliness and life satisfaction. Additionally, the interaction of leisure satisfaction and marital status exhibits a combined moderating effect on the loneliness and life satisfaction association. The findings advance our understanding of the perceived benefits of leisure in the theoretical framework concerning loneliness and subjective wellbeing and emphasize the importance of addressing the heterogeneity of the elderly population. Implications and future study directions are discussed accordingly.