Impact of perceived social support and physical fitness on quality of life of institutionalized and non-institutionalized older adults in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background and aim: Quality of life (QoL) in old age contributes to enhance active aging. This study aimed to assess and compare QoL and associated factors of institutionalized and non-institutionalized older adults (aged 60+ years) in Southern Sri Lanka. Methods: A total of 160 older adults (80 institutionalized and 80 non-institutionalized) were surveyed. Physical and cognitive skills were measured using Barthel index, and Mini Mental State Examination scales. Nutritional status and perceived social support were measured using Mini Nutritional Assessment and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression techniques were used in the analysis. Results: The mean age of the institutionalized older adults was higher than that of non-institutionalized older adults (74.9 years versus 72.1 years, p < 0.01). About half of the sample consisted of older men (48.8%). Economically under privileged older adults who were unmarried were more likely to become institutionalized. The mean value of the QoL score was higher in non-institutionalized older adults compared to that of institutionalized older adults (63.1 (SD = 21.9) versus 49.1 (SD = 25.6), p < 0.05). Activities of daily living (ẞ=–0.46, p < 0.01) and perceived social support (ẞ=–0.20, p < 0.05) were found to be significant determinants of QoL of institutionalized older adults while activities of daily living (ẞ=–0.28, p < 0.05) and nutritional status (ẞ=–0.27, p < 0.05) were found to be significant determinants of QoL of non-institutionalized older adults. Cognitive impairments was not a significant determinant of QoL in both institutionalized and non-institutionalized older adults. Conclusions: Promotion of physically active life style especially among young older adults to maintain their indepen dence as they age and improvements of social support and social connectedness among older adults would be practical and cost-effective strategies to promote active aging in Sri Lankan older adults.