Hope and Related Factors among of the Frail Elderly Living at Home Alone

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between hope and positive aging cognition, health conditions, social roles, life style, social network, and support for the frail elderly living at home alone.

Methods: The participants were senior citizens in Japan who aged 65 and above. Data were collected via anonymous questionnaire. The 463 study subjects were matched for care-need requirement from nothing to level 1 according to long-term care insurance in Japan. The Herth Hope Index (HHI) was used to assess the level of hope. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis.

Results: The mean age of the subjects was 83.4 ± 6.6 years. The mean HHI score was 33.1 ± 6.7. On regression analysis, HHI score significantly correlated with positive aging cognition (β = 0.244), mental health (β = 0.241), roles in the community (β = 0.175), social network (β = 0.027), and home-help services (β = 0.124).

Conclusion: The findings suggest the importance of caregiver and local resident support for the frail elderly living at home alone in order to improve hope by positive living in old age through their own life histories, maintaining social networking by exchange with the neighborhood and community, and remaining in good mental health.