A structural model to predict the well-being and bask activities of elderly adults

作者：Oliver Amparo^*; Carlos Melendez Juan; Sancho Patricia; Galiana Laura; Manuel Tomas Jose

来源：Salud i Ciencia, 2012, 19(1): 22-25.

• well-being
• aging
• structural model

In 2010, 17.9% of the Spanish population was elderly, and expectations are that the figure will grow to 31.1% by the year 2050. The increase in life expectancy does not necessarily imply better health conditions. The aim of this article is to assess the impact of several socio-demographic variables on the functional dependence and well-being of the elderly, using a Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) structural model. The sample consisted of 1 208 people over 65 years of age from the city of Valencia (Spain). All of them were non-institutionalized, and without cognitive impairment. In addition to the socio-demographic variables, two constructs were measured: a) activities of daily living (ADL%26apos;s), using the Barthel Index, and b) psychological well-being, using Ryff%26apos;s scales. A structural model was specified, estimated and tested. It provided a suitable fit to the data and offered relevant information regarding the prediction of well-being in a multivariate context. Specifically, the model found: a) significant effects of age and educational level on both ADL%26apos;s and well-being; b) a positive relationship between ADL%26apos;s and well-being; and c) a mediation effect of ADL%26apos;s on the relationship between socio-demographic variables and well-being.

• 出版日期2012-5