A1 Journal article (refereed)
Meaning of home attenuates the relationship between functional limitations and active aging (2024)
Slaug, B., Zingmark, M., Granbom, M., Björk, J., Rantanen, T., Schmidt, S. M., & Iwarsson, S. (2024). Meaning of home attenuates the relationship between functional limitations and active aging. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 36, Article 159. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-024-02810-x
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Slaug, Björn; Zingmark, Magnus; Granbom, Marianne; Björk, Jonas; Rantanen, Taina; Schmidt, Steven M.; Iwarsson, Susanne
Journal or series: Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
ISSN: 1594-0667
eISSN: 1720-8319
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 01/08/2024
Volume: 36
Article number: 159
Publisher: Springer
Publication country: Germany
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-024-02810-x
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/96571
Abstract
Active aging is the process through which people strive to maintain wellbeing when growing old. Addressing the lack of research on active aging in the context of housing, the aim was to describe active aging among people aged 55 and older considering relocation and investigate whether perceived housing moderates the relationship between functional limitations and active aging.
Methods
We utilized cross-sectional data from a sub-sample (N = 820; mean age = 69.7; 54% women) of the Prospective RELOC-AGE. Functional limitations were reported using 10 dichotomous questions. Active aging was assessed with the University of Jyvaskyla Active Aging Scale (UJACAS; 17 items, self-rated for four perspectives). Perceived housing was self-rated with four usability questions and meaning of home (MOH; 28 items). Cross-sectional associations and interactions were analysed using linear regression models, adjusting for gender and educational level.
Results
Each functional limitation decreased the active aging score by almost five points (p < 0.001). Usability did not moderate that relationship while MOH significantly attenuated the association between functional limitations and active aging (p = 0.039). Those with high MOH had two points less decrease in active aging score compared to those with low MOH.
Discussion and conclusions
Having a home with more personal meaning attached to it seems to provide more ability and opportunity for meaningful activities, thus supporting active aging despite functional limitations. This sheds new light on the known association between MOH and different aspects of wellbeing in old age and has relevance for theory development, housing policies and housing counselling targeting younger older adults.
Keywords: home; changing residence; residence; ageing; older people
Free keywords: home; housing choices; moving; prospective study; residential choices
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2024
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1
