The Influence of Meaning in Life on the Quality of Life of Community-Dwelling Hong Kong Chinese Elders

Raymond Chi-Fai Chui

Abstract

Meaning in life is one of the coping resources and a predictor of well-being. However, few studies have focused on the effect of meaning in life on the quality of life (QOL) of Hong Kong Chinese elders. This study aims to test the relationship among functional ability, meaning in life, social support and QOL among community-dwelling Chinese elders in Hong Kong. A survey was conducted to collect cross-sectional data via street interviews from 673 community-dwelling Chinese elders. QOL was measured by the Older People’s QOL Questionnaire, whereas other variables were measured by the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, Lubben Social Network Scale and Meaning in Life Questionnaire. The sample comprised 45% males and 55% females, and the average age of participants was 72.24. Results of the hierarchical regression analysis confirmed the hypotheses that QOL was related with functional disabilities (t = -3.374, p = 0.001), presence of meaning (t = 7.762, p < 0.001), family support (t = 4.336, p < 0.001), peer support (t = 5.560, p < 0.001) and support from significant others (t = 4.946, p < 0.001). However, QOL was not related with search for meaning (t = 1.243, p = 0.215). The presence of meaning in life and support from family, peers and significant others play an important role in mitigating the negative impact from declining functional abilities. Chinese elders facing deterioration in health and activity levels can learn to live intentionally and purposefully to enhance QOL, consequently developing new sources of meaning and proactively seeking formal and informal support in the community.

 

Keywords:  Community-dwelling elders, Functional ability, Meaning in life, Quality of life, Social support


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