The Relationship Between Age and Engagement in Pleasant Activities

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Abstract
The relationship between engagement in pleasant activities and the subjective enjoyability of pleasant events was studied as a function of age and of depression level. Two samples were studied. Sample 1 (N = 251) consisted of 3 age groups (18-29) (30-49) (50 and over) and 3 diagnostic groups (Depressed, Nondepressed psychiatric, Normal controls). Sample 2 (N = 459) consisted of normals selected to form 11 age groups (20-70 +). The subjects rated 320 pleasant activities and events for frequency of occurrence during the past month and for subjective enjoyability. There was a significant decrease in the frequency ratings as a function of age (p < .01) and of depression (p < .01). A decrease in the subjective enjoyability of pleasant events was uniquely associated with depression (p < .01) but not with age. Several hypotheses to account for the decrease in pleasant activity level of the elderly are offered.

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