The relationship between perceived social support, quality of life, well-being, successful aging and social health in older adults living in the community

Abstract

Social health in older adults plays a critical role in improving quality of life by jointly supporting physical, mental, and emotional health. The aim of this study was to examine the association between perceived social support, quality of life, well-being, successful aging, and social health among community-dwelling older adults. This observational study was conducted with 535 community-dwelling older adults living in a province in the Pasaalani neighbourhood of Balikesir, using a multistage cluster sampling method. The dependent variable of the study was social health perception and multivariate linear regression analysis was used in the analyses. Reporting of the study followed the STROBE checklist. The participants’ mean SHSE score was 50.00 ± 10.00. According to the linear regression analysis, the Social Health Scale for Elderly score for the older adults was significantly lower among those who were unmarried, employed, had no hobbies, and had poor self-perceived general health ( p < 0.05). Additionally, social health decreased with increasing age and poorer self-perceived general health, while it increased with higher levels of successful aging, quality of life, and perceived social support ( p < 0.05). The social health of the participants was at a moderate level. These findings highlight the importance of prioritizing disadvantaged groups and promoting hobbies, general health, and social support to enhance social health among older adults.