The Well-being of Older Persons in Tanzania: Does receiving family social support count?

Abstract

This study was conducted in Buhigwe District to understand the determinants of the well-being of older persons, with a focus on the family support, and guided by the intergenerational solidarity theory. The quantitative cross-sectional study used data from 403 respondents aged 60 and above. It used a survey method with a researcher-administered questionnaire to collect the data. The binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of well-being. The results revealed an association between lower odds of having high well-being and age groups 70-79 and 80+ years, with aORs= 0.216 (95% CI: 0.099-0.472) and 0.319 (95% CI: 0.144-0.709), respectively, and P-values of < 0.001. Poor health was also associated with lower odds of having high well-being, aOR=0.139(95% CI: 0.073-0.263), P-value<0.001. Inability to participate in family activities was associated with lower odds of having high well-being (aOR=0.26(95% CI 0.094-0.721), P-value<0.05), likewise weak commitment to familial obligations (aOR=0.223 (95% CI: 0.107-0.531), P-value<0.001. Furthermore, lower odds of having high well-being were associated with poor wealth (aOR=0.384(95% CI: 0.186-0.793), P-value<0.05), large households (aOR=0.43(95% CI: 0.234-0.788), P-value<0.05 and moderate frequency of contact aOR=0.475 (95% CI: 0.232-0.973), Pvalue<0.05. The findings give insights into the family support and socio-economic factors on older persons’ well-being. However, the association between each type of support and well-being was not statistically significant. Targeted policy programmes by the government are needed to improve health services and reduce poverty. The study has contributed to knowledge on receiving family support and well-being. A mixed research approach is recommended to understand the relationship between social support and well-being in comparable environments.