How impact factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, change the quality of life of the elderly.

PURPOSE: The worldwide population is facing the aging issue. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the living standards of elders. Therefore, understanding the impact factors changing the quality of life of the elderly, and considering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has become a focus for central and local governments, as well as individual families.

METHODS

This study analyses newly designed comprehensive relationship networks related to the quality of life of elders in association with the COVID-19 phenomenon. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. A partial least squares structural equation model was employed to identify the path relationships. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to investigate the impact of demographic information on the quality of life of the elderly.

RESULTS

The findings indicate that the quality of life is directly and strongly influenced by factors such as psychological distress, COVID-19, quality of daily living, and group and individual activities. Companionship particularly affects the latter two factors for elderly individuals. Additionally, COVID-19 significantly impacts companionship due to the perceived isolation it brings to the elderly. Furthermore, the medical condition factor affects psychological distress, suggesting that the health status of the elderly influences their mental well-being. Moreover, the good diet quality factor strongly influences the spiritual and material aspects of life as well as the mental and physical health of elders. Other factors influencing the physical health of elders include demographics, gender, age, marital status, and homeownership status.

CONCLUSION

These findings show the necessity of taking care of, accompanying, and improving the medication conditions of the elderly, especially during the period of COVID-19.