Factors associated with the life satisfaction amongst the rural elderly in Odisha, India

[摘要] BackgroundLife Satisfaction (LS) is an indicator of subjective well-being (SWB) among the elderly, and is directly associated with health and mortality. Present study deals with the factors associated with the LS among the rural elderly in Odisha, India.MethodsA cross-sectional survey using multi-stage random sampling procedure was conducted among elderly (60+ years) in Bargarh district of Odisha. The survey was conducted among 310 respondents. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to assess the adjusted effect of various socio-economic, demographic, health conditions (physical and mental), social support and effects of multi-morbidity on LS.ResultsCognitive health was the most influential factor in determining LS among both men (β = 0.327) and women (β = 0.329). Individual’s social support also plays an influential role in LS among rural elderly. Elderly who are living alone and have any sort of disability and had low score of activities of daily living (ADL) have also reported significantly lower perceived LS for both the genders.ConclusionIt is necessary to analyze and identify the major factors which can improve upon the level of LS among the elderly population. Better understanding of these factors can help in removing the superfluous anxiety of old age in the mindset of people which is pervading in the society.

[发布日期] 2015-12-21

[关键词] Elderly;Life satisfaction;Morbidity;Social support;Cognitive health