Predicting Factors of Successful Aging among Community Dwelling Older Adults in Thimphu, Bhutan

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study aimed to study predicting factors between perceived self-efficacy, social support, educational level, perceived health status, life satisfaction, and successful aging among community dwelling older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, correlational predictive design was used to collect data at Thimphu, Bhutan during April to May, 2018. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 90 older adults from four villages. Structured questionnaire was used to gather data on 8 explanatory and 5 outcome variables. Instruments were the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Perceived Health Status scale, the Life Satisfaction Index for the Third Age-Short Form and the Successful Aging Inventory. Descriptive statistics and standard multiple regression analysis were used to describe the sample and examine the predicting factors. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis showed perceived self-efficacy, social support, educational level and life satisfaction significantly predicted successful aging, accounting for 58% of the variance (R2 = 0.58, F5,84 = 22.89, p < 0.001). Standardized beta coefficient was obtained for perceived self-efficacy (β = 0.38, p = < 0.001), social support (β = 0.31, p = < 0.001), life satisfaction (β = 0.25, p = < 0.001) and educational level (β = 0.23, p = < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that perceived self-efficacy, social support, educational level and life satisfaction can predict successful aging among community dwelling older adults in Thimphu, Bhutan. Therefore, implementing intervention programs upon the significant predicting factors to enhance successful aging of community dwelling older adults is recommended. Keywords:Psuccessful aging, older adults, Bhutan DOI: 10.31524/bkkmedj.2019.02.007