The impact of resiliency on mental health and quality of life among older adults in Thailand

Paul Ratanasiripong,Monpanee Khamwong,Suchart Bunyapakorn,Nop Ratanasiripong,Ladda Sanseeha,Ploenpit Thaniwattananon,Pennapa Pisaipan,Wallapa Songprakun,Sarinya Jingmark,Asawinee Tonkuriman,Nongnaphat Rungnoei

doi:10.1108/jhr-02-2021-0099

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the impact of resiliency and associated factors on the mental health and quality of life among older adults in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,800 older adults (M = 69.3, SD = 7.2) from nine provinces across all regions of Thailand. Each participant completed an anonymous paper-based survey that included demographic data, work activities, health behaviors, social support, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment for Older Adults (WHOQOL-OLD).FindingsThrough hierarchical multiple regression, resiliency, social support, exercise and work hours per week were found to be significant predictors of mental health: depression (F (6, 520) = 19.38, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.17); anxiety (F (6, 520) = 18.64, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.17); stress (F (6, 521) = 12.91, p < .001, adjusted R2 = 0.12). Five predictors of quality of life were identified through hierarchical multiple regression: resiliency, social support, exercise, age and family economic status. These predictors explained 35% of the variance, F (5, 1655) = 178.44, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.35.Originality/valueBased on the results of this study, a comprehensive Wellness Program was designed to improve the mental health and quality of life of older adults in Thailand. This Wellness Program included five components: Volunteer Program, Resiliency Building Program, Social Support Program, Exercise Program, and Financial Education Program.

Highlights

With global increase in life expectancy and reduction in fertility rate, the proportion of older adults in the world will grow from 9% in 2019 to 16% in 2050 [1]
Previous mental health studies have focused more on their depression with limited focus on anxiety and stress
The aim of this study is to (1) examine the impact of resiliency on the mental health and quality of life among older adults in Thailand; (2) explore additional factors associated with mental health and quality of life among older adults in Thailand, including social support, health behaviors, work activities and other demographic variables; (3) propose a comprehensive Wellness Program for older adults

Summary

Introduction

With global increase in life expectancy and reduction in fertility rate, the proportion of older adults in the world will grow from 9% in 2019 to 16% in 2050 [1]. In 2019, global older adult population was approximately 703 million and is expected to grow by 120% to 1.55 billion in 2050, with the largest increase in East and Southeast Asia [2]. As the older adult population in Thailand continue to grow, it is vital to identify factors that impact their mental health and quality of life. While there have been several studies with older adult population and quality of life issues in Thailand, there are only limited research on their resiliency, mental health and social support [3, 4]. There have been limited studies on resiliency and mental health among older adults in Thailand [5]

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