Factors Predicting Quality of Life of the Elderly in Elderly Schools

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to examine the level of quality of life (QOL) and identify factors predicting QOL among older adults attending Elderly Schools in Chonburi Province, Thailand. A total of 230 older adults registered during the 2024 fiscal year were selected using cluster random sampling. Data were collected through structured interview questionnaires comprising six components: personal characteristics, self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), active aging (Active Ageing Scale for Thai People: AAS-Thai), family relationships (Family Attachment and Changeability Index: FAC-18), social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support: MSPSS), and quality of life (Older People’s Quality of Life Questionnaire: OPQOL-brief). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that active aging (B = 0.138, p < 0.001), social support (B = 0.078, p = 0.006), and family relationships (B = 0.066, p = 0.010) were significant predictors of QOL, jointly explaining 29.2% of the variance (R² = 0.292, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that active aging, family relationships, and social support are key factors associated with QOL among older adults attending Elderly Schools and may support the development of community-based health promotion strategies in aging populations