Investigation of Successful Aging, Life Satisfaction and Perceived Social Support Levels of Elderly Residents in Nursing Homes and Non-Residents

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the successful aging levels of individuals between the ages of 65–99 and to examine the relationship between life satisfaction and perceived social support. In addition, it examined the mediating effect of social support on the relationship between successful aging and life satisfaction. The study was conducted with a quantitative method. The study sample consisted of 408 people living in Edirne and Istanbul. The study used the Personal Information Form, Successful Aging Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale. The data were analyzed with the "SPSS 22.0 for Windows" program. The marital status and having children had a significant effect on social support levels. Internet use increased the friend-social support and successful aging levels. The family-social support levels were higher for the elderly who did not stay in the nursing home. The reasons for staying had an effect on all variables. Boarding leave had an effect on life satisfaction, successful aging, significant other and family social support levels. Finally there was a mediating effect of the family-social support for the life satisfaction and successful aging relationship. The results supported the importance of social support for the elderly. It is important to preserve friends and social networks at old ages.