The interaction effect of gender and residential environment, individual resources, and needs satisfaction on quality of life among older adults in the UK

Chi Pun Liu, Dion Sik-yee Leung, Julia Warrener

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the difference in gender and its impact on selected quality of life (QoL) domains of Social Production Function Theory among older adults in England. Methods: Based on an annual national adult social care service user survey conducted in the UK in 2016. QoL was assessed by a single-item construct and independent variables were home design, access to information and local area, self-rated health, perceived pain/discomfort, perceived anxiety/depression, activities of daily living, use and satisfaction of formal and informal care, and demographic variables. Results: 28,955 respondents aged 65+ were interviewed. Multinomial logistic regression analysis found four interaction effects for predicting a very good/good QoL: (1) Female receiving non-co-residing informal care (OR=1.501, p<.01), (2) Female feeling safe (OR=1.499, p<.01), (3) Female feeling satisfied with social contact with people (OR=1.465, p<.05), and (4) Female being helped in the use of time (OR=1.370, p<.05). Conclusion: Findings suggest gender differences in QoL as men and women are heterogenous with different health and disease patterns, health-/help-seeking behaviours, roles and responsibilities, and levels of resilience, needs, risks, and access and control resources. Practitioners should adopt a gender-specific assessment and personalised interventions to promote gender equality, empowerment, and long-term sustainable development for an ageing society.
Original languageEnglish
Article number2333721419878579
Journal Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine (GGM)
Volume5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Sept 2019

Keywords

  • Gender differences, Formal and informal care, Safety and security, Social contact, Use of time

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The interaction effect of gender and residential environment, individual resources, and needs satisfaction on quality of life among older adults in the UK'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this