The impact of social support for older adults in nursing homes on successful aging: a moderated mediation model
ObjectiveTo investigate the connection between social support (SS) and successful aging (SA) in older adults residing in nursing homes, examining the mediating role of meaning in life (MIL). Additionally, this study aims to assess whether frailty moderates the mediation model.MethodsA cross-sectiona...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2024-02-01
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Series: | Frontiers in Public Health |
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Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1351953/full |
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author | Fan Xu Jiquan Zhang Shaoju Xie Qiao Li Yaoyao Long |
author_facet | Fan Xu Jiquan Zhang Shaoju Xie Qiao Li Yaoyao Long |
author_sort | Fan Xu |
collection | DOAJ |
description | ObjectiveTo investigate the connection between social support (SS) and successful aging (SA) in older adults residing in nursing homes, examining the mediating role of meaning in life (MIL). Additionally, this study aims to assess whether frailty moderates the mediation model.MethodsA cross-sectional survey approach was employed to recruit older adults from six nursing homes in Sichuan Province between August 2022 and December 2022. Questionnaires, including the General Information Questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), and Successful Aging Inventory (SAI), were administered. Data obtained from the completed questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS and its macro program PROCESS.ResultsSS emerged as a noteworthy positive predictor of SA in older adults of nursing homes. MIL was identified as a partial mediator in the link between SS and SA. Furthermore, frailty attenuated the positive predictive impact of MIL on SA and moderated the latter part of the mediation model, wherein SS influences SA through MIL. The influence of MIL on SA was more pronounced in older adults with lower frailty levels in nursing homes, while it was diminished in those with higher levels of frailty.ConclusionApart from ensuring the availability of essential medical resources in long-term care for older adults, workers in nursing homes should also recognize the significance of “spiritual aging” to cultivate a sense of MIL among older adults. Simultaneously, attention must be directed toward screening for frailty indicators in older adults. Psychological care and physical exercise programs should be intensified for older adults with a high level of frailty, aiming to decelerate the progression of frailty in nursing home residents. This approach leverages the mediating role of MIL and the moderating influence of frailty, ultimately enhancing SA and promoting healthy aging in older adults within nursing home settings. |
first_indexed | 2024-03-07T23:14:51Z |
format | Article |
id | doaj.art-343940de42b04b748ae7954de59dcdbc |
institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
issn | 2296-2565 |
language | English |
last_indexed | 2024-03-07T23:14:51Z |
publishDate | 2024-02-01 |
publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
record_format | Article |
series | Frontiers in Public Health |
spelling | doaj.art-343940de42b04b748ae7954de59dcdbc2024-02-21T13:36:40ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Public Health2296-25652024-02-011210.3389/fpubh.2024.13519531351953The impact of social support for older adults in nursing homes on successful aging: a moderated mediation modelFan Xu0Jiquan Zhang1Shaoju Xie2Qiao Li3Yaoyao Long4Oncology Department, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, ChinaNephrology Department, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, ChinaOncology Department, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, ChinaOncology Department, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, ChinaOncology Department, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, ChinaObjectiveTo investigate the connection between social support (SS) and successful aging (SA) in older adults residing in nursing homes, examining the mediating role of meaning in life (MIL). Additionally, this study aims to assess whether frailty moderates the mediation model.MethodsA cross-sectional survey approach was employed to recruit older adults from six nursing homes in Sichuan Province between August 2022 and December 2022. Questionnaires, including the General Information Questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), and Successful Aging Inventory (SAI), were administered. Data obtained from the completed questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS and its macro program PROCESS.ResultsSS emerged as a noteworthy positive predictor of SA in older adults of nursing homes. MIL was identified as a partial mediator in the link between SS and SA. Furthermore, frailty attenuated the positive predictive impact of MIL on SA and moderated the latter part of the mediation model, wherein SS influences SA through MIL. The influence of MIL on SA was more pronounced in older adults with lower frailty levels in nursing homes, while it was diminished in those with higher levels of frailty.ConclusionApart from ensuring the availability of essential medical resources in long-term care for older adults, workers in nursing homes should also recognize the significance of “spiritual aging” to cultivate a sense of MIL among older adults. Simultaneously, attention must be directed toward screening for frailty indicators in older adults. Psychological care and physical exercise programs should be intensified for older adults with a high level of frailty, aiming to decelerate the progression of frailty in nursing home residents. This approach leverages the mediating role of MIL and the moderating influence of frailty, ultimately enhancing SA and promoting healthy aging in older adults within nursing home settings.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1351953/fullnursing homesolder adultssocial supportmeaning in lifefrailtysuccessful aging |
spellingShingle | Fan Xu Jiquan Zhang Shaoju Xie Qiao Li Yaoyao Long The impact of social support for older adults in nursing homes on successful aging: a moderated mediation model Frontiers in Public Health nursing homes older adults social support meaning in life frailty successful aging |
title | The impact of social support for older adults in nursing homes on successful aging: a moderated mediation model |
title_full | The impact of social support for older adults in nursing homes on successful aging: a moderated mediation model |
title_fullStr | The impact of social support for older adults in nursing homes on successful aging: a moderated mediation model |
title_full_unstemmed | The impact of social support for older adults in nursing homes on successful aging: a moderated mediation model |
title_short | The impact of social support for older adults in nursing homes on successful aging: a moderated mediation model |
title_sort | impact of social support for older adults in nursing homes on successful aging a moderated mediation model |
topic | nursing homes older adults social support meaning in life frailty successful aging |
url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1351953/full |
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