Determinants of physical, psychological, and social well-being in older adults residing in senior care facilities of Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract Background This study investigated the effects of relocation autonomy, loneliness, and satisfaction with services along with socio-demographic characteristics on physical, psychological, and social well-being of older residents living in senior care facilities of Punjab, Pakistan. Methods Data were collected from 270 older residents living in 18 senior care facilities across 11 districts of Punjab, Pakistan. The scales used in the study were assessed for their construct validity, convergence validity, and internal consistency. Three separate multiple regression analyses were carried out to predict physical, psychological, and social well-being of residents from socio-demographic variables, relocation autonomy, loneliness, and satisfaction with services. Results The results of multiple regression analyses showed that the models predicting physical (R2 = 0.579), psychological (R2 = 0.654), and social well-being (R2 = 0.615) were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Number of visitors was a significant predictor of physical (b = 0.82, p = 0.01), psychological (b = 0.80, p < 0.001), and social (b = 2.40, p < 0.001) well-being. Loneliness significantly predicted physical (b=-0.14, p = 0.005), psychological (b=- 0.19, p < 0.001), and social (b=- 0.36, p < 0.001) well-being. Control over relocation process significantly predicted physical (b = 0.56, p < 0.001) and psychological (b = 0.36, p < 0.001) well-being. Satisfaction with services significantly predicted physical (b = 0.07, p < 0.001) and social (b = 0.08, p < 0.001) well-being. Conclusion Pragmatic, equitable and cost-effective interventions are needed to improve the wellbeing of older residents living in senior care facilities. Friendly behavior of mobilizing staff and adjusted residents to facilitate new residents, therapeutic interventions such as relocation support programs, reminiscence therapy and intergenerational support, and increasing their exposure and connection to the outside world, can raise their physical, psychological, and social well-being.