Wellness in Older Adults from a Gerontological Perspective

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate from a gerontological point of view the effects of health promoting lifestyles and sociodemographic factors on the wellness of older individuals aged 60 or older living in Antalya. The study also aims to determine the extent of the impacts from the factors affecting these individuals’ wellness. A total of 211 female and 189 male participants were interviewed. The study uses the probability sampling technique. The interviews were conducted on a voluntary basis in public places in the districts, such as parks, gardens, marketplaces, bazaars, and households. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form, the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (Walker & Hill-Polerecky; adapted to Turkish by Bahar et al., 2008), and the Flourishing Scale (Diener et al., 2009). The data were analyzed for descriptive statistics. The independent samples t-test was used for two independent groups, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for multiple comparisons and correlation tests for intergroup relationships. A p < .05 has been accepted as the level of significance. Tukey HSD values were examined in order to identify any meaningful differences between groups. As a result of the study, gender, educational status, perceived income status, and adopting health promoting lifestyle behaviors were found to be related to wellness. A scheme was suggested on how to reach wellness from a gerontological perspective.