Demographic Variables and Quality of Life as Predictors of Psychological Well-being of Elderly Professionals: Basis for Intervention

Abstract

The study determines the demographic variables and the quality of life, and how these may predict the psychological well-being of elderly professionals. The descriptive method of research was employed, involving a total of purposively sampled three hundred forty-three (343) elderly, 60 years old and above, who are either employed on a full-time or part-time basis, and those who have retired from full-time employment. The variables were measured using standardized instruments, namely, the Older People’s Quality of Life (OPQol) Questionnaire Brief developed by Bowling (2009) and the Ryff’s Psychological Wellbeing Scale (1989). Results revealed that in terms of demographics, the elderly in this study are typically 60 to 64 years old, married, hold a bachelor’s degree, employed and receive a monthly income of 40,000.00 pesos. The elderly group in this study have a high quality of life in terms of social relationships, independence, home and neighborhood, emotional well-being, financial circumstances, and life overall. However, they only have moderate satisfaction with the quality of life in terms of health and religious/cultural aspects. The older adult professionals have high psychological well-being in terms of autonomy, environmental mastery, positive relations, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. This group of older adults also has a good level of psychological well-being in terms of personal growth. The quality of life in terms of health, home and neighborhood, social relationships, emotional well-being, and overall satisfaction significantly predict the psychological wellbeing of older adult professionals. An intervention was proposed for the enhancement of psychological well-being of the older adults, focusing on four areas: health and physical exercise, social activities, leisure and recreation, skills training and financial and resource management.