Bidang Kajian : Warga Emas
Pelajar/Pengkaji Oleh: Lim May Yee
Alamat Emel: shanelim.my@gmail.com
Tarikh: 02/08/2019
Abstrak Kajian
Malaysia is predicted to have nearly 15% of its population made up of older adults by the year 2030. Yet, increased life expectancy does not correlate with higher quality of life (QoL). This may be due to multiple factors contributing to QoL. According to previous studies, one of the influencing factors on QoL is spirituality and religiosity. Although some studies affirmed the benefits of those factors, those findings remain inconclusive. This study aims to address the lack of research on the QoL of Malaysian older adults based on different living settings (i.e. institutionalized vs community-residing). The objectives of this study are to examine the (1) differences between religiosity, spirituality, and QoL based on living settings, (2) correlation between religiosity, spirituality, and QoL based on living settings; and (3) predictions of religiosity and spirituality on QoL based on living settings. A purposive quota sample of 213 Malaysian older adults participated in this cross-sectional study. The results demonstrated a significant difference in religiosity, spirituality, and QoL based on living settings; all factors were higher in community-based setting. The results of correlations suggested significant positive relationship between religiosity, spirituality, and QoL. However, compared to religiosity, spirituality is a stronger predictor on QoL in older adults regardless of living setting. Study findings suggest that living setting makes a difference in the QoL among Malaysian older adults. Hence, policymakers and professionals should develop programs that enhances the QoL of Malaysian older adults in institutionalized settings through spirituality.