The Predictive Factors of Subjective Well-Being in Older Adults Living Alone: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Background: There have been a few studies on the subjective well-being (SWB) among older adults living alone, and previous research investigated the associated factors on SWB. This study examines the factors predicting SWB, together with the perspective of older adults living alone. Methods: An explanatory-sequential approach was adopted in this study. First, during the quantitative phase, the multistage random sampling consisted of 198 older adults living alone in selected metropolitan areas in Thailand, where the mean agewas 74.11 years (SD = 7.66). Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect the data. Second, during the qualitative phase, a purposive sample of 14 participants with high SWB was recruited, with a mean age of 72.07 years (SD = 6.22). Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the qualitative data. Then, a joint display table was used to connect the quantitative and qualitative data. Results: The quantitative findings revealed a sense of coherence (SOC) as the strongest predictor of SWB, followed by resilience, both of which jointly predicted SWB by 31.20% (R2 = 0.31, p > 0.001). Additionally, economic status (insufficient income), functional status, social participation, and perceived stress were significantly correlated with the SWB. The qualitative findings explained that a SOC and resilience produced peaceful feelings. In addition, economic status (insufficient income), functional status, social participation, and perceived stress were seen to be relevant to SWB. Conclusion: A SOC and resilience were significant predictors of SWB. Implementing a program to promote a SOC and resilience will induce SWB among older adults living alone, particularly females.