Providing a Structural Model of the Quality of Life of the Elderly based on General Health and Demographic Characteristics with the Mediating Role of Social Support

The aim of this research was to provide a structural model of the quality of life of the elderly based on general health and demographic characteristics with the mediating role of social support. This research was a structural equation model correlation with practical goals. The statistical population in this study included 60 to 75-year-olds living in urban houses in Tehran, of which 314 people were selected as a research sample. The data collection tool was the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the Iranian version of the Phillips Social Support Questionnaire (1986) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (1989). The statistical technique used was the method of structural equation model of complete latent variable type, and data analysis was done using Spss software version 26, Amos software version 24 and R software version 4.3.1. Examining the fit indices of the model showed that overall, the model has a very good condition in terms of explanation and fit. The obtained results showed that the variables of social support, general health, number of children and number of years of marriage have a significant positive effect on social support in old age. It is also necessary to mention the effect of variables of general health, social status, gender, number of children and number of years of marriage on the quality of life in old age indirectly with the mediating role of social support. According to the findings of this research, it can be said that the mediating role of social support can be particularly important in examining the changes in the quality of life of the elderly, and it is suggested that in care centers for the elderly as well as other counseling and guidance centers, the importance of social support Emphasis and education should be placed.