The effect on active aging of spiritual well-being in elderly individuals

This study was conducted to determine the level of spiritual well-being in elderly individuals and to examine the effect of spiritual well-being on active aging. This research was conducted between 27 October 2021 and 29 November 2023. The data collection process of the research was carried out with 396 people over the age of 65 residing in Altıeylül district of Balıkesir province between 09 May and 31 July 2022. The data were collected by visiting neighborhoods to reach people through face-to-face interviews using the "Socio-demographic survey form", "Spiritual Well-Being Scale" and "Active Aging Scale". The interview with a participant and filling out the survey took an average of 15 minutes. One-way MANOVA test was used to compare the Spiritual Well-Being Scale and Active Aging Scale scores according to independent variables. When making multiple comparisons, the Tukey test was used for those with a homogeneous distribution, and the Tamhane T2 test was used for those without a homogeneous distribution. Process V4.0 (Andrew F. Hayes) analysis was used to determine the moderating role of gender, place of residence, who they live with, and health perception in the relationship between the participants' scores on the Spiritual Well-Being Scale and their scores on the Active Aging Scale. As the spiritual well-being level of the elderly individuals participating in the research increases, their level of active aging also increases. As a result, it was found that spiritual well-being is a variable that affects the active aging levels of the elderly. Spiritual Well-Being Scale scores significantly predict Active Aging Scale scores, but it was concluded that the regulatory roles of Spiritual Well-Being Scale scores and gender, place of residence, whom one lives with, and health perception, respectively, on Active Aging Scale scores are not significant. On the other hand, when comparing the sub-dimensions and total score averages of the Active Aging Scale according to demographic characteristics, it was found that there was no significant difference according to the place of residence, smoking, glasses, inhalation device and oxygen cylinder use, and it was determined that there were significant differences in other demographic characteristics. In addition, as people include spiritual practices in their lives and their perception of health increases, Active Aging Scale scores increase. As a result of the study, by increasing community-based studies in the fields of spiritual well-being and active aging; It is recommended to determine the spiritual needs of the elderly and raise awareness by supporting active aging behaviors with health policies. Keywords: Active aging, spiritual, spiritual well-being, elderly