Mental Health of Older Adults in Different Living Arrangements: A Socio-demographic Analysis

By : Pooja Sharma Nath, Swati Patra

Page No: 319-333

Abstract
Mental health of older people is influenced by a multitude of factors among which socio-demographic factors play a crucial role (Mahmoodi, Yazdkhasti, Rostami, & Ghavidel, 2022; Kumar et al., 2013). Research (Gautham et al., 2020) indicates an increase in the prevalence of mental disorders in the ageing population in India. Urbanization and changing dynamics of living arrangements for the older people who are living longer now due to improved healthcare system has an impact on their mental health. Hence the present study aims to understand the mental health of urban older people in different living arrangements in the community in terms of the socio-demographic factors. A community based cross sectional research was conducted on the urban older people living alone and living with their adult married children. The study comprised of 164 older married adults (males-92, females-72) between 65-85 years without any chronic disabling illness. A semi-structured interview schedule for sociodemographic details and Mental Health Continuum Short Form (Keyes, 2005) were used in the study. Majority of the urban older participants were reported to have a moderate to high flourishing mental health and none had poor mental health. The older participants living with their adult married children had better mental health than those living alone. Gender difference was also seen in mental health of the urban older adults. Education, financial security, support of family and friends, urban living, absence of chronic disabling medical conditions, and engagement in an active lifestyle were some of the very significant factors found to be associated with mental health. Findings have implications for development of a comprehensive mental health programme for older people living in the community for promoting their well-being.

Authors :
Pooja Sharma Nath : Consultant Clinical Psychologist – Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Swati Patra : Professor of Psychology – School of Social Sciences, IGNOU, New Delhi.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPR.2023.18.02.15