Recreation, Physical Activities and Health Needs of Older Adults

The benefits of physical activities on health and well-being of humans, in the present and later life, are well documented in many fields of study including gerontology. Adopting the continuity theory of aging and theory of selective optimization with compensation, this paper reviewed empirical works on the interplay of recreation, physical activity and the well-being of older adults. This is with a view to stimulating further research and insight into the understanding of well being of older adults. The paper concludes that a community-based intervention that will encourage active participation may go a long way in meeting the recreation needs of the elderly in Nigeria.