Depression, Loneliness, Social Support and Quality of Life among Elderly Adults

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine depression, loneliness, social support, and quality of life among elderly individuals, with particular reference to their living arrangements. In light of the increasing prevalence of nuclear family systems and the growing number of old age homes, understanding the psychological well-being of older adults has become a pressing concern. A comparative research design was employed, and data were collected from 352 participants aged 60 to 80 years. Standardized instruments were utilized, including the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the WHOQOL-BREF. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, applying descriptive statistics, reliability testing, group comparisons, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The findings revealed that elderly individuals residing in old age homes experienced higher levels of loneliness, whereas those living with family reported greater social support and better quality of life. Significant differences between the two groups indicate that living arrangement plays a crucial role in influencing psychological well-being. The study highlights the importance of emotional bonding, social interaction, and supportive environments in promoting the mental health of elderly individuals, and emphasizes the need to strengthen support systems, particularly in old age homes.