Predictors of quality of life in old age: a cross-validation study

Res Nurs Health. 2007 Apr;30(2):141-50. doi: 10.1002/nur.20178.

Abstract

A replication study was undertaken to validate a model of quality of life (QOL) generated in an earlier study on a random sample of 202 older adults. Pathways found to be significant were retested using QOL data from a convenience sample of 420 older adults. Using path analysis, we found that financial resources, health, and meaning in life directly and positively influenced QOL. Health, emotional support, and the physical environment indirectly affected QOL through purpose in life. All but one pathway were replicated, explaining 50.5% of the variance in QOL. Further explorations of the influence of spirituality, emotionally close ties, and opportunities for active engagement on QOL in older age are warranted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology
  • Aged / physiology
  • Aged / psychology*
  • Aged / statistics & numerical data
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Attitude to Health
  • British Columbia
  • Chronic Disease / psychology
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological*
  • Nursing Evaluation Research
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Psychometrics
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Social Support
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Spirituality
  • Surveys and Questionnaires