Life-Satisfaction and Social Support among the Elderly Living in Care Homes and those Living in their Own Homes

Abstract

This study aimed to explore differences in life-satisfaction and social support among the elderly by place of living (care homes, own homes), gender, health status and age. It also examined the relationship between life-satisfaction and social support among the elderly living in care homes and those living in their own homes. The study sample consisted of 111 elderly aged 60 years or older, selected from different governorates in Jordan. Results showed that the levels of life-satisfaction and social support from families and friends were significantly higher among the elderly living in their own homes than among those living in care homes; elderly males were more satisfied with their lives than elderly females; elderly females received more social support from families and community than did elderly males; and elderly with good health status were more satisfied with their lives and received more social support from their families than did those who suffered from chronic diseases. Furthermore, the results indicated that there were significant positive relationships between life-satisfaction and social support from family and community among the elderly living in care homes, and significant positive relationships between life-satisfaction and social support from family and friends among the elderly living in their own homes.