Evaluation of life satisfaction of elderly people according to different life styles

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the life satisfaction levels of older people living in different environments and to investigate the effects of some socio-demographic attributes on their life satisfaction levels The study was planned as a descriptively-designed investigation. Considering the different living environments of the elderly, the study was performed in 3 groups of elderly as those staying at nursing home, elderly receiving home care, and living with their families. The survey form and Life Satisfaction Scale questioning the socio-demographic attributes were applied by the researchers during the face to face interviews. Upon evaluation of the groups with respect to their life satisfaction, it was found that the life satisfaction scores of the older people were 23.6±8.2 for those staying at home, 15.2±7.9 for those receiving home care, and 12.3±5.7 for those staying at nursing home. Life satisfaction score of older people staying at home was statistically significant higher than those receiving homecare, and residing in nursing homes (p<0.001). Furthermore, when the older people were compared with regards to gender, marital status, educational status, desire to have a child, and need for psychological support, the life satisfaction scale scores of the old people living at home were found to be statistically significantly higher when compared to others (p<0.05). Based on the results of our study, it is necessary for the older people to sustain their lives in their own homes or family environments in order to increase their life satisfaction levels. When they are in need of care, based on recommendations it is important to provide, and popularize care models which do not require them to leave their living environments and ensure maintenance of their active lives. © 2016, Logos Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.