Mediating role of meaning of life in the relationship between mental health and psychological well-being of the elderly

The presence of meaning in the lives of the elderly promotes psychological health and well-being and is a factor for adapting to this period in the face of stress and the experience of numerous physical and mental problems. Hence, the aim of this study was to consider mediating role of the meaning of life in the relationship between mental health and psychological well-being of the elderly in 2021.

In this descriptive correlational study, the statistical population included the elderly present in nursing homes in Golestan province in 2021. In this study, 234 people were selected using simple random sampling based on Krejcie and Morgan table. They completed the psychological well-being scale (Ryff), Mental Health scale (Najarian & Davoodi) and Meaning of Life scale (Steger et al.). Data were analyzed by structural equation modeling using SPSS 22 and Lisrel 8.8.

The results indicated that the fit indices of the research model were in good condition (GIF=0/96). Mental health had a direct effect on psychological well-being (0/025)and meaning of life (0/026) as well as the meaning of life had a direct effect on psychological well-being (0.19). Moreover, the hypothesis was confirmed the indirect effect of mental health on the psychological well-being of the elderly through the meaning of life (0.04).

Based on the results, it is suggested that mental health experts and engaged people in the field of aging should try to increase the psychological well-being of the elderly by taking measures to promote mental health and empower the elderly in order to achieve a successful semantic system, then higher well-being.