Meaning in life, life satisfaction and positive and negative affect in older adults: Effect of gender and type of residence

Abstract

Ageing is the accumulation of changes in a person over time referring to a multi-dimensional process of physical, psychological and social change. Erik Erikson's Eight stages of theory characterized old age as a period of Integrity vs Despair during which a person focuses on reflecting back on their life. Those who are unsuccessful during this phase feel that their life has been wasted and experience many regrets, while those who feel proud of their accomplishments feel a sense of integrity. Successfully completing this phase means looking back with few regrets and a general feeling of satisfaction. Ageing in a place where one feels rooted, emotionally attached, meaningful and satisfied seems to favor a sense of control and well-being in life among older adults, (Eyles & Williams, 2008). It is also valued since it facilitates social relationships with family, neighbors and friends (Rojo-Perez, Femandez-Mayoralas, Rodriguez-Rodriguez & Rojo-Abuin, 2007; Wiles, 2005). These characteristics contribute to defining the meaning of home in old age, which comprises different categories (Oswald & Wahl, 2004): physical (experience of the housing conditions, access and furnishing), behavioral (everyday behavior at home), emotional (experience of intimacy, safety, etc.) and social (relationships with neighbors, visitors). From 1990-2020 the oldest section of the population is estimated to increase in number by 200% in developing countries as compared to 68% in the developed world (Murray & Lopez, 1996). Alongside with the advent of modernization, industrialization, urbanization, occupational differentiation, and growth of individual philosophy the traditional Indian norms that vested authority with elderly has gradually eroded. Consequently, the older population faces a number of problems ranging from absence of ensured income to be self-sufficient, ill-health, absence of social security, loss of social role and recognition, and the non-availability of opportunities for creative use of free time.Old-age homes are not a new phenomenon in India and institutions for care of the elderly, such as the Venkatagiri Chaultries have been in operation since the early 18th century (see Nair, 1995). Recent developments in elder care include for-pay homes and community-based services. Some community-based services have been created, primarily during the last decade, by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) but usually without direct government assistance. Still many states in India lack old-age homes, day-care centers, and other services for the elderly (Rajan, Mishra, & Sarma, 1994, 1999). Less than a percent of Indian elders live in old-age homes (HelpAge India, 1995). Even though old-age homes have been in existence for about 300 years, only recently have they caught the attention of researchers.Indian denizens have become concerned about the gradual fraying of traditional living arrangements but co-residence is still dominant in rural areas where 70% of India's population lives (Ara, 1998; Muttagi, 1997). Studies indicate that life satisfaction in old-age homes is low (Dandekar, 1996; Ramamurti, Jamuna, & Reddy, 1996) and, as in the west, institutional settings promote social isolation of elders from the rest of society. In the absence of family support, and the inability of elders to care for themselves, old-age homes can meet some of the unmet needs of the elderly, but they should exist only under limited circumstances. This argument also questions whether building special homes for elders is a good use of scarce resources, when the needs of women and children are paramount to India's economic development agenda (Nair & Ramana, 1989).Healthy ageing is not only related to the advances in medical technology but also to a wide range of other factors like enabling the aged to lead stimulating life, being fully involved in society and having social relationships. In old-age feeling of loss of energy, and dwindling of health and financial assets lead to insecurity and dependency. …