Background: The researches have shown that the motivation to health is an important dimension in leisure satisfaction. The aim of this study was to measure the validity and reliability of the recreation experience preference scale (REP scale) in Iranian elderly.

Materials and Methods: A total of 552 elderly participants (347 males, 205 females) aged 60 years or older were randomly selected by the multistage sampling method from 9 provinces of Iran in 2013. Demographic characteristic questionnaire and recreation experience preference scale were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using an exploratory factor analysis with Varimax rotation, confirmatory factor analysis for construct validity, Pearson correlation for internal consistence construct validity, Cronbach's coefficient alpha for reliability and multivariate analysis of variance for construct validity.

Results: Results showed that the REP scale had an acceptable factor structure. The matrix table of rotated elements showed five components were capable of factoring and 17 items predicted 71.06% of variance. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the first- and second-order model at the scale of the study was approved appropriately. Also, the internal consistency of the scale in total and its subscales was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.70 to 0.92). Moreover, a positive and significant correlation between items and factors, also between factors and total scale showed that these questions assessed the same subject.

Conclusion: This study represents acceptable reliability and validity of the REP scale in Iranian elderly. Therefore, it can be used for measuring the REP and motivation in Iranian elderly.