Investigating Sense of Control Among Older Australians in Community Dwellings and Aged-Care Facilities
Hypotheses: Based on existential inequality research on loneliness among institutionalized older adults, we hypothesized that loneliness predicts a lower sense of personal control. Incorporating life-course perspectives, we examined the associations of sociodemographic factors and family support with sense of control. Additionally, we tested the impact of the disablement process, including mobility issues and chronic conditions, on personal control.
Methods: We applied logistic regression models to data from 485 older Australians (aged 65 or over) collected in a nationwide survey conducted between October 2023 and July 2024. We also tested the equality of coefficients for covariates when comparing older adults in nursing homes to those living in communities.
Results: Preliminary results indicate that loneliness is associated with a lower sense of personal control in both residential types. Moderate or severe mobility issues increase the likelihood of a low sense of control among community-dwelling older adults. Social interactions, such as social contact and group participation, reduce the likelihood of a low sense of control for older adults in aged-care facilities, but not for those living in communities.
Discussion: Our findings confirm that loneliness is linked to a lower sense of personal control among older adults receiving governmental support and those in nursing homes. Mobility problems are relevant to a low sense of control. Social interaction is crucial for reducing the sense of control issues in nursing homes, although the association between loneliness and lower sense of control persists. The findings imply that the social interactions and contact in the institutional care setting is crucial.