Relationship Between Place Attachment and Social Functioning in the Elderly

Abstract

Objectives: The world’s aging population is increasing. Considering the importance of aging in place and its impact on lifestyle, this study aims to evaluate the relationship between place attachment and social functioning in the elderly. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study. Participants were 400 older people in Tehran, Iran (234 males and 166 females with a Mean±SD age of 66.31±6 6.78 years) who were selected through quota sampling. The data were collected by the Place Attachment Scale (PAS) and Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale (SASS). Data were analyzed in SPSS v. 22 software. Results: The PAS dimensions of place identity (β = 0.23, P< 0.001), place dependence (β = 0.17, P= 0.001) and social relations in the neighborhood (β = 0.19, P= 0.001) could explain SASS dimension of social activities quality, while place dependence (β = 0.31, P< 0.001) and social relations in the neighborhood (β = 0.22, P< 0.001) could explain the SASS dimension of social relations quality. Conclusion: Place attachment is related to the social functioning of the elderly.