Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if statistically significant differences exist between older adult television watchers based on amount time spent watching television, whether or not viewers actively paid attention to what they were watching or more passively viewed television, and the sex of the viewer, on measures of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and life satisfaction. A convenience sample of 100 older adults residing in southern California completed a questionnaire and maintained a log of 7-days of viewing habits. Results suggest that total time spent watching television is negatively correlated with life satisfaction (p<.05) and post hoc testing suggested that people who watch a heavy amount of television experience significantly lower life satisfaction in comparison to both light and moderate viewers. A statistically significant multivariate main effect of gender and amount of viewing was found, with males (M = 4.0, SD = 3.16) being found to be significantly more depressed than females (M = 2.4, SD = 1.72) overall, and the largest difference between group means was found between males who are heavy television watchers (M = 5.0, SD = 3.02) and females who are light television watchers (M = 1.7, SD = 1.28). These findings are explored in light of the clinical implications for assessment and intervention and as a research foundation to build upon in generating guidelines and recommendations for healthy and unhealthy amounts of television viewing. Finally, the concept of television viewing within healthy limits functioning as a means of enhancing the lives of older adults is considered.