A comparative study between elderly individuals who engage in recreational sports and those who do not, focusing on mental health and life satisfaction.

Abstract

The research aims to uncover:

- The comparison between elderly individuals who practice recreational sports and those who do not in terms of mental health and life satisfaction. To verify the research objectives, the researchers formulated the following hypotheses:

- There are significant differences in mental health between elderly individuals who practice recreational sports and those who do not.

- There are significant differences in life satisfaction between elderly individuals who practice recreational sports and those who do not. The research sample was intentionally selected from elderly individuals who practice and engage in sports.Recreational sports and non-practicing seniors:

The sample consisted of 60 seniors aged 60 and above, with 30 practicing sports and 30 not practicing sports. The researchers reached the following conclusions:
- There is a statistically significant difference in mental health between seniors who practice recreational sports and those who do not, in favor of seniors who practice sports.
- There is a statistically significant difference in life satisfaction between seniors who practice recreational sports and those who do not, in favor of seniors who practice sports.
- Practicing recreational sports regularly once or twice a week, with low to moderate intensity, had a positive impact on mental health and life satisfaction.For sports activity, researchers recommend: -Promoting sports activity and sports for all in all sports events, including school and university events.

-Providing sufficient sports fields and facilities within the university campus and various schools, and opening these sports facilities to community members.

-Encouraging journalists and media outlets to promote sports activity, especially for the elderly.