Abstract
Several studies have proven the beneficial role of social connections and social activity with respect to healthy ageing in Western countries. However, the evidence from the South Asian region is scant. We aimed to find the association of social connections and social activity with various health outcomes in older adults in Peshawar city of Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Peshawar, obtaining 312 responses. Data was collected using validated questionnaires, such as the Older People Quality of Life Scale (OPQOL) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWL). Linear regression was used to identify the association of predictors (social connections and social activity) with various health outcomes after adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Social connections and social activity had significant positive associations with psychological well-being (B 0.33 and 0.13 respectively), self-perception of ageing (B 0.33 and 0.17 respectively), and self-reported health (B 0.13 and 0.15 respectively). Social connections was also positively associated with life satisfaction (B 0.40). Social connections and activity are positively associated with various health outcomes crucial to healthy ageing. Consolidating the existing evidence through our study, we recommend designing public health interventions aimed at increasing awareness and degree of social participation of senior citizens in Pakistan.
Presenters
Naqeeb Hussain ShahAssistant Professor, Social Work, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Pakistan
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Social connections, Social activity, Elderly, Pakistan, Healthy ageing
