Predicting the Resilience of the Elderly in Tehran, Iran, Based on Their Religious Orientation, Mental Toughness, Physical Health, and Sleep Disorders

Abstract

Background and Aims With the increase in the aged population, the physical and mental health of the elderly have become more important. Since resilience is an important concept in the mental health of the elderly, this study aims to predict the resilience of the elderly in Tehran, Iran, based on their religious orientation, mental toughness, physical health, and sleep disorders. Methods This is a descriptive-correlational study with a cross-sectional design. Participants were 256 elderly people aged >60 years (Mean age: 66.42±4.37 years) selected by a simple random sampling method from those living in Kahrizak Nursing Home in Tehran, Iran. They completed the Connor-Davidson resilience scale, Clough et al.’s mental toughness questionnaire-48 items, physical health questionnaire, and Lynch’s sleep disturbance questionnaire to measure resilience, religious orientation, mental toughness, physical health, and sleep disorders. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling in AMOS and SPSS software, version 23. Results Religious orientation (t=4.32, r=0.24, P<0.001), mental toughness (t=6.87, r=0.68, P<0.001), physical health (t=5.12, r=0.57, P<0.001) and sleep disorders (t=-5.18, r=-0.52, P<0.001) could significantly predict the resilience of the elderly in Tehran. Conclusion The resilience of the elderly in Tehran has a positive and significant relationship with their religious orientation, mental toughness, physical health, and sleep disorders. These components can predict the resilience of the elderly. Therefore, by controlling these components, the resilience of the elderly can be improved.