Influencing factors of self-perceived aging among empty nesters: a cross-sectional studyg empty-nesters

Abstract

Introduction: The mental health issues faced by empty nesters deserve more attention. Studying self-perception of aging (SPA) and its influencing factors among empty nesters may help prevent negative SPA. Objective: To analyze situations and factors influencing SPA among elderly empty nesters, especially the mediating role of daily living ability and loneliness. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two communities in Binzhou City, Shandong Province of China. A total of 613 elderly empty nesters were studied using a self-designed general information questionnaire, the Brief Ageing Perception Questionnaire (B-APQ), the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships between variables. Results: Pathway analysis of SPA influencing factors shows that marital status, children’s visits, and self-reported health had an indirect effect on SPA through loneliness. Chronic disease status had an indirect effect on SPA through daily living ability. Time outdoors had an indirect effect on SPA through activities of daily living and loneliness. Discussion: Daily life ability, chronic disease status, time outdoors, loneliness, self-reported health, marital status, and children's visits affected SPA among empty nesters. Conclusion: Empty nesters' SPA is relatively negative, and there are many influencing factors. It is important to improve empty nesters' abilities to manage healthcare tasks, increase outdoor activities and family members’ care, and provide comprehensive interventions to help them navigate aging.