Leisure Sports Engagement in Later Life: Role of Financial Conditions in Shaping Health Concern, Participation Constraints, Satisfaction, and Continuance Intention

초록

Given the rapidly aging Korean society and the growing healthcare burden associated with demographic change, understanding socioeconomic disparities in later-life physical activity participation has become increasingly important for both public health and social policy. The purpose of this study was to test whether income-based differences exist in health concern, multidimensional participation constraints, participation satisfaction, and continuance intention among Korean older adults engaged in leisure sports. Data were collected from 311 older adults who regularly engaged in leisure sports, using validated scales (health concern, participation constraints, satisfaction, and continuance intention) from prior research. Significant differences were found in cost, social, and time constraints: low-income older adults reported greater financial barriers and social limitations, while low- and middle-income groups experienced more time constraints than the high-income group. No significant differences emerged for health concerns, health-related constraints, satisfaction, or intention to continue participation. The results underscore that, while leisure sports in later life are tied to consumer culture, they are also vital in health promotion and social connectedness. Policies ensuring minimum access to leisure sports for all older adults, regardless of income, are recommended. © 2026, Montenegrin Sports Academy. All rights reserved.

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