A Study on the Relationship among Family Support, Morale, and Quality of Life in the Elderly

Kim, Kwuy Bun; Choi, Jae Eun; Sok, So Hyune

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study examined the correlations among family support, morale, and quality of life in the elderly.
METHODS
Descriptive correlational study design was used. The subjects were 131 elderly people 65 and older who have lived in Seoul and other three cities. The data were analyzed with mean, SD, t-test, ANOVA, and pearson's correlation by using the SPSS 11.0 program.
RESULTS
First, the mean of family support was 3.71, morale 3.25, and quality of life 3.02 respectively. Second, the correlation between quality of life and family support was statistically significant(r=.264, p=.00), the correlation between quality of life and morale was also statistically significant(r=.484, p=.00), and the correlation between family support and morale was also statistically significant(r=.430, p=.00).
CONCLUSION
Family support for the elderly in the study was confirmed as the primary important concept which can positively maintain and promote the quality of their life. Also, the correlation between morale and family support was verified as significant. Further study is needed to develop a nursing intervention program for morale improvement with a network of family support with their children, ultimately for quality of life among the elderly.