The relationship between living arrangements and the psychological well-being of older people in Hong Kong

Abstract

Objectives: This study explored the relationship between three types of living arrangements, namely living alone, living with family, and living in a hostel, and the psychological wellbeing of older people in Hong Kong. The impact of various sociodemographic factors on the choice of living arrangements of older people was also studied. Methods: Ninety healthy Hong Kong Chinese were recruited from four multi-service centres and one hostel. An individual interview was conducted with each participant and the General Health Questionnaire-12 and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10 were administered. Results: The results suggested that the psychological wellbeing of older people living in hostels was better than that of older people living alone, but that the psychological well-being of older people living with their family was not different from that of older people living alone. Conclusion: That the psychological well-being of older people in different living arrangements is different may be explained by the differences in time for leisure, access to social services, as well as changes in their attitude towards co-residence with children.