The Quality of Life of Older Adults in a Multiethnic Metropolitan: An Analysis of CASP-19

Abstract

This study examines the well-being of older Malaysians, using Control, Autonomy, Self-Realization, and Pleasure (CASP-19) score. Data for this study came from a cross-sectional survey on older adults living in a multiethnic metropolitan in Malaysia. The sample comprised Asia’s three major ethnic groups. Bivariate and multivariate analyses show significant ethnic differentials in quality of life (QoL). Results from multiple regression show that CASP-19 is strongly influenced by self-rated health and the ability to manage expenditure, and to a lesser extent by educational level and marital status, but not by age, gender, work status, co-residence with children, and housing tenure. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, self-rated health was the only significant factor affecting the QoL of all ethnic groups. Ability to manage expenditure was also significant among the Chinese and Indians. Marital status matters for the Chinese, while education and housing tenure matter for the Indians. Differences in the effects of the various factors on the QoL of older adults require specific strategies and programs for different target groups.