Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları

  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Perceived burdensomeness and happiness in cohabiting older adults: The serial mediating roles of mental well-being and loneliness

    Akeren, Zahide; Akeren, Ihsan; Kalyoncuo, Servet

    Background Aging-related changes and increased dependence on family members may negatively affect older adults’ psychological well-being. Perceived burdensomeness refers to the belief that one is a burden on others and has been associated with lower happiness, reduced mental well-being, and greater loneliness. Among adults living with their families, mental well-being and loneliness may explain how perceived burdensomeness relates to happiness in later life. Purpose This study examined the associations between perceived burdensomeness and happiness among older adults living with their families and evaluated the serial mediating roles of mental well-being and loneliness. Methods This cross-sectional study included individuals aged ≥65 years residing with family members in a city in Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea region. Data were collected from 273 older adults; after preliminary screening, 7 cases were excluded, resulting in a final analytic sample of N = 266. Measures included the Geriatric Feelings of Burdensomeness Scale, WHO-5, the Happiness Scale, and the Loneliness Scale for the Elderly. Serial mediation was tested using a regression-based approach with bootstrap confidence intervals. Results Perceived burdensomeness was associated with lower mental well-being and higher loneliness. The total association between burdensomeness and happiness was negative (β=-0.467), and more than two-thirds of this association operated indirectly through mental well-being and loneliness. Conclusion and Implications Perceived burdensomeness was associated with lower happiness among older adults living with their families, primarily through reduced mental well-being and increased loneliness. In geriatric nursing and primary care, routinely assessing these psychosocial factors and implementing family-centered and social support-oriented interventions may help improve happiness.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus1OpenAlex1
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleYalnız künye2024Scopus SJRQ2
    The effect of loneliness on fear of aging: Mediated by social support

    Akeren, Zahide; Akeren, Ihsan

    The study aimed to examine the relationships between loneliness, perceived support and fear of old age, to determine how they differ according to some socio-demographic variables and of loneliness to reveal the mediating role of perceived social support in the effect on fear of old age. In the descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between November 2023 and January 2024, the Loneliness Orientation Scale (LOS), Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS) and Fear of Old Age Scale (FOS) were used. Correlational analysis was used in the analysis of data collected from 611 participants aged 18–65 with two-stage sampling, T-test and ANOVA were used in the comparison of means, and the Hayes’ PROCESS macro was used to determine the mediating role of perceived social support. Women, singles, young people, those with low education and income fear old age more. There is a positive correlation between loneliness and fear of aging, and a negative correlation between these two and perceived social support. As a result, perceived social support is a partial mediator in the effect of loneliness on fear of old age and it should be considered as an effective source in reducing fear of old age.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex2
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele