The Impact of Perceived Community Services for the Elderly on Self-Rated Health: An Analysis Utilizing a Mediated Latent Growth Model.

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the relationship between older adults' perceived community services for the elderly (PCSE), life satisfaction (LS), and self-rated health (SRH).

METHODS

Data from four rounds of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) from 2008 to 2018 were used. A total of 2454 older adults were obtained. Unconditional Least Squares (ULS) was used to measure PCSE, LS, and SRH growth trajectories without covariates. Finally, a mediating latent growth model was constructed using Mplus 8.3 to examine the mediating role of LS in the relationship between PCSE and SRH after adjusting for some demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

The results from the ULS method indicate that the intercepts and slopes for PCSE and LS are significantly negatively correlated ( = -0.629, = -0.579, < 0.001). Additionally, there is a significant positive correlation between the intercept and slope of health levels ( = 0.774, < 0.001). Using a parallel growth model, significant regression coefficients were found between the intercept of PCSE and the intercepts of SRH and LS ( = -0.335, = 0.378, < 0.01). Similarly, the regression coefficients between the slope of PCSE and the slopes of SRH and LS were also significant ( = -0.532, = 0.344, < 0.01). Furthermore, the regression coefficient between the intercept of LS and the intercept of SRH was significant ( = 0.415, < 0.001). The regression coefficient between the slope of LS and the slope of SRH was also found to be significant ( = 0.729, < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It is essential to ensure adequate supply and accessibility of community services for older adults. LS especially is, and should be a promising target for assessing the quality of life and utilization of PCSE supply.