Study on the quality of life and its related factors for older adults in communities in Beijing, China†

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To describe the quality of life (QOL) of adults ≥60 years of age in communities in Beijing and explore demographic, clinical, and psychological factors associated with QOL. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 363 older adults were recruited, in which 313 completed the questionnaires. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and QOL was analyzed with the 36-item short form (SF-36). The t-test and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare QOL by gender and age group. Factors associated with QOL were determined using multiple linear regression. Results Among 313 older adults, depressive symptoms were observed to be prevalent to the extent of 16.6%. Overall, participants had higher QOL in the domains of social role functioning and emotional role functioning, with lower QOL in the domains of physical functioning and general health perceptions. There were no significant differences in QOL between women and men. However, there were significant differences between different age groups, with older adults having better mental QOL than younger adults. Better physical QOL was associated with less depressive symptoms, having a partner, and younger age (R 2 = 28.7%). Better mental QOL was associated with less depressive symptoms, less chronic disease, and older age (R 2 = 34.7%). Conclusions With aging, physical QOL was lower and mental QOL was better. Less depressive symptoms, having a spouse or partner, and young–old age assert positive influence on physical QOL of the older adults; and less depressive symptoms, no chronic disease, and older age assert positive influence on mental QOL.