Aging and Family Relationships among Aymara, Mapuche and Non-Indigenous People: Exploring How Social Support, Family Functioning, and Self-Perceived Health Are Related to Quality of Life

Abstract

Family relationships play a central role in wellbeing among older adults in Chile. Based on the theory of social production functions, this study examined the relationship between perceived social support from children, partners and relatives, family functioning, self-perceived health and quality of life (QoL) among Chilean older adults. The study used a multi-ethnic sample of Chilean older adults living in rural areas in the regions of Arica and Parinacota (north) and Araucanía (south). A model was analyzed that emphasizes relationships differentiated by the source of support, family functioning and self-perceived health in the explanation of QoL. The results obtained from the structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis showed the existence of indirect relationships of social support from children, partners and other family members via family functioning, while self-perceived health was directly associated with QoL. The findings indicate that family functioning is a main variable in the contrasted model, in addition to confirming the importance of distinguishing the role of the various sources of support. Research is needed to examine in detail intergenerational relationships and other relationships with family members who are significant in the wellbeing of older adults. This research corroborates that family relationships have a specificity that needs to be addressed in gerontological social intervention, as well as continuing along the lines of strengthening or improving existing family ties (more quality) over the quantity of social relationships.

Loneliness and Psychosocial Resources among Indigenous and Afro-Descendant Older People in Rural Areas of Chile

“…Although loneliness in old age appears to be a transcultural problem [1,2], it can undoubtedly be determined by cultural factors that place greater or lesser emphasis on family or kin-based relationships [54]. In Chile, the family still plays a central role in the wellbeing of indigenous and non-indigenous older people [55,56]. This study can contribute to understanding the changes that Chilean indigenous communities are experiencing in their social, family, and reproductive organization, particularly in rural areas that host native settlements, as a result of migration by the younger or working population [57].…”

“…Family functioning is therefore also directly related to loneliness and mediates health problems. Family functionality is associated with the capacity of the family environment to provide a flexible, dynamic, and relevant response to physical needs, including reduced mobility, the risk of falls, and the need for specialist care, and emotional needs such as being heard, valued, respected, and loved [55,56]. Intimate and close social relationships have changed following the pandemic, negatively affecting emotional wellbeing in old age; this is why this study has produced such alarmingly negative data regarding the symptoms of loneliness.…”

The Impact of Social Media on Family Relationships (A Study of Jahi, Abuja)

“…A family relationship pertains to the interdependence and interconnection among people within a familial entity. The interdependence between the operational dynamics of a family unit and the holistic welfare of its members, including parents, children, and other relatives, is intricately intertwined with the nature and quality of the bonds among them (Gallardo-Peralta, L. P., Sanchez-Moreno & Herrera, 2022). A recent study conducted by Yu, Kong, Cao, Chen, Zhang, & Yu (2022) argued that the familial structure is characterized by a triangular relationship involving parents, children, and other family members.…”

How Active Are European Seniors—Their Personal Ways to Active Ageing? Is Seniors’ Activity in Line with the Expectations of the Active Ageing Strategy?

“…Factors indirectly influencing active ageing that contribute significantly to increased physical activity are: "education, social support, perception of benefits and barriers, and self-efficacy" [22] (p. 626). Successful ageing results from the cooperation of family socioeconomic factors and lifelong physical activity [5,60,61]. A factor influencing seniors' activity is the ability to use time in a healthier way.…”