Rabia Khalaila
Zefat Academic College, Israel
Title: Aging in place and quality of life among adults aged 50 and older in Europe: A moderated mediation model
Biography
Biography: Rabia Khalaila
Abstract
Objectives: We explored the moderated-mediation effects of perceived accessibility to the environment on quality of life in later life via two socio-spatial mediators (loneliness and connection to place) and two moderators (functional disability and marital status).
Methods: We utilized the data of the fifth wave of the survey of health, aging and retirement in Europe (SHARE) to analyze the quality of life of 62,077 Europeans aged 50 or older. Bootstrapping with resampling strategies was used to test the moderatedmediation hypotheses.
Results: Higher scores for perceived accessibility to services and sites were associated with greater quality of life. This relationship was partially mediated by lower loneliness and higher connection to place, and moderated by functional disability and marital status.
Discussion: Policymakers and planners should plan suitable, accessible and age-friendly social and spatial environments for dependent and independent older adults. They should also suggest interventions to mitigate social loneliness and modify spatial obstacles.