Factors influencing the meaning in life of older adults using services under the long-term care insurance system: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of activities of daily living, depres-sion, and social support on the meaning in life in older adults using services under the long-term care insurance system. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 121 older adults were recruit-ed from seven senior daycare centers in two cities in Korea. Data collection was performed between September and October 2023. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results: The results of this study showed that social support (β=.45, p<.001) and depression (β=-.16, p=.048) were signifi-cantly affecting factors to the meaning in life in older adults using services under the long-term care insurance system. Conclusion: Efforts to enhance social support and reduce depressive symptoms are critical to improve the meaning in life of older adults utilizing services under the long-term care insurance system. Specifically, it is necessary to closely identify older adults’ depressive symptoms and further strengthen social support, including policy support and individualized support from healthcare professionals in the facilities to improve older adults’ meaning in life.