The present study examined leisure activity and its association with caregiver involvement (i.e., residence and time spent with primary caregiver) in 62 middle-aged and older adults with Down syndrome (aged 30-53 years). Findings indicated that middle-aged and older adults with Down syndrome frequently participated in social and passive leisure activities, with low participation in physical and mentally stimulating leisure activities. Residence and time spent with primary caregiver were associated with participation in physical leisure activity. The findings suggest a need for support services aimed at increasing opportunities for participating in physical and mentally stimulating leisure activity by middle-aged and older adults with Down syndrome. These support services should partner with primary caregivers in order to best foster participation in physical leisure activity.
Keywords: Down syndrome; aging; caregiving; leisure.