Biopsychosocial predictors of quality of life in older persons in different living arrangements

Head: Prof Jasminka Despot Lučanin, PhD (Croatian Studies, Zagreb)

Duration: 2017-2018

The aim of the project is to examine the biopsychosocial predictors of the quality of life of older persons living in different housing arrangements. The participants in our previous studies [2014, 2015, and 2016 (149)] were clients of retirement homes, which represent a specific form of housing arrangement and therefore the possibility of generalization was limited. For this reason we included community-dwelling older adults in this project. One hundred and seventy community-dwelling participants of older age (60 yrs+) were examined and their results will be compared to the results of 168 retirement home residents examined in the last wave in 2016. By means of individual structured interview, the following data is collected: sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, education, marital status, family members), objective health (chronical illness), self-perceived health (general and compared to age peers), social support (emotional, instrumental, socialization), sleep quality, and life satisfaction. The results can be applied in all fields aimed at improving the quality of life of older persons, i.e. development of specific community services.

Until now, the results have been presented at one scientific meeting in Croatia (233), two scientific meetings abroad (277, 284), and one professional meeting “Factors contributing to the quality of life of older persons” organized by the foundation “Zajednički put”.