FACTORS AFFECTING PSYCHOSOCIAL WELL-BEING OF THE ELDERLY IN MALAYSIA

Authors

  • Halimah Awang Social Wellbeing Research Centre, Universiti Malaya
  • Nurul Diyana Kamarulzaman Social Security Organisation
  • Chin Lung Tan Social Wellbeing Research Centre https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8156-2923
  • Yamunah Devi Apalasamy Social Wellbeing Research Centre
  • Norma Mansor Social Wellbeing Research Centre

Abstract

Factors affecting psychosocial well-being of individuals (n = 2,231) ≥60 years of age (mean = 68 years) in Malaysia were identified using data from the Malaysia Ageing and Retirement Survey (2018-2019). Psychosocial well-being was measured using eight and nine statements on positive and negative outlooks on life respectively, with each statement scored on a 5-point Likert scale (score range = 17-85). Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.851, indicative of high consistency. Composite psychosocial well-being indicator had a mean (SD) and median (95% confidence interval) score of 67.2 (9.9) and 68.0 (66.7-67.6) respectively. Significant factors associated with positive psychosocial well-being are rural residence, being married or never married, secondary or higher education level, good self-rated health, ability to perform activities of daily living, financial independence, and having monetary support, a loving family and caring friends. These findings should be considered in future initiatives to improve psychosocial well-being of the elderly in Malaysia.

Downloads

Published

2022-05-02

Issue

Vol. 53 No. 2 (2022): THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Section

Articles

Categories