Study on the quality of life and its related factors for older adults in communities in Beijing, China†

Yu Liu,Wei Zhang,Robin Whittemore,Hong Guo,Qiao He,Yan Chen

doi:10.2478/fon-2021-0014

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To describe the quality of life (QOL) of adults ≥60 years of age in communities in Beijing and explore demographic, clinical, and psychological factors associated with QOL. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 363 older adults were recruited, in which 313 completed the questionnaires. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and QOL was analyzed with the 36-item short form (SF-36). The t-test and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare QOL by gender and age group. Factors associated with QOL were determined using multiple linear regression. Results Among 313 older adults, depressive symptoms were observed to be prevalent to the extent of 16.6%. Overall, participants had higher QOL in the domains of social role functioning and emotional role functioning, with lower QOL in the domains of physical functioning and general health perceptions. There were no significant differences in QOL between women and men. However, there were significant differences between different age groups, with older adults having better mental QOL than younger adults. Better physical QOL was associated with less depressive symptoms, having a partner, and younger age (R 2 = 28.7%). Better mental QOL was associated with less depressive symptoms, less chronic disease, and older age (R 2 = 34.7%). Conclusions With aging, physical QOL was lower and mental QOL was better. Less depressive symptoms, having a spouse or partner, and young–old age assert positive influence on physical QOL of the older adults; and less depressive symptoms, no chronic disease, and older age assert positive influence on mental QOL.

Highlights

With the improvement of socioeconomic status and the significant increase in life expectancy in China,[1] the number and proportion of the older adult population are increasing rapidly
The physical quality of life (QOL) of older adults in Beijing was lower and mental QOL was better with aging
Less depressive symptoms, having a spouse or partner, and young-old age were associated with better physical QOL of the older adult; and less depressive symptoms, no chronic disease, and older age were associated with better mental QOL

Summary

Introduction

With the improvement of socioeconomic status and the significant increase in life expectancy in China (from 67.77 years old in 1981 to 74.83 years old in 2010),[1] the number and proportion of the older adult population are increasing rapidly. 212 million, which was 15.5% of the total population.[2] According to the United Nations standards, a society in which >10% of people are over age 60 is regarded as an aging society; China is an aging society. By 2050, the older adult population of China is projected to be 32.8% of the total population.[3] The rapidly aging population has caused challenges to the Chinese social security system, including changes in family and social structures, an increased burden of illness, and the risk of disability.[4]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion