Psychosocial-Spiritual Factors Associated With Well-being of Older Population in Africa

The quality of well-being of the older population is a crucial determinant of successful aging as well as the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG target 3). However, the impact of psychosocial-spiritual factors on well-being is affected by the level of general health conditions in the older population. Previous studies have focused more on the physical health and psychological well-being nexus, but the role of general health conditions in mediating the association between psychosocial-spiritual factors and well-being in the older population in Africa was not investigated. This study, therefore, examined the psychosocial-spiritual factors associated with well-being in the older population in Africa with a focus to determine the contribution of all the psychosocial-spiritual factors when mediated by general health conditions.

In this regard, a quantitative research methodology was adopted using a descriptive survey. A total of 833 elderly people with a mean age of f 68.04±6.71 years were recruited, comprising 484 females and 399 males in five municipalities.

The findings revealed that general health conditions, quality of life, social support, and social network are significantly associated with well-being in older people. Furthermore, the mediating effect of general health conditions had an inverse association with well-being.

Accordingly, a commitment to quality of life, healthcare services, social support, and family social network is effective for Africa to achieve healthy lives and promote well-being for individuals of all ages.