Basic Psychological Needs, Depression, and Life Satisfaction among the Elderly

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue XII, December 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Basic Psychological Needs, Depression, and Life Satisfaction among the Elderly

Aileen Joyce J Lim¹, Mary Rachelle R Wapano, Ph.D^2
1Mindanao State University at Naawawan
²Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan

Abstract: This study examined the relationship between basic psychological needs and satisfaction with life among the elderly in rural area in the Phillipines.
Findings revealed that elderly indicated that their basic psychological needs are generally satisfied:. The results show that of the psychological needs autonomy (M=4.82, SD=0.94), competence (M=4.94, SD=1.08), and relatedness (M=5.46, SD=1.03) are generally satisfied.
Additionally, respondents reported general satisfaction with life mean score (M=25.90, SD=0.37). The respondents of this study report that they are generally satisfied with their quality of life, achievement, and past experiences
This study also revealed that basic psychological needs do not significantly predict life satisfaction. It is recommended that other factors be investigated which could potentially predict life satisfaction. Recommendation

Keywords: elderly, basic psychological needs, depression, satisfaction with life, autonomy, competence, relatedness

I. INTRODUCTION

The ultimate goal as people age is to maintain quality of life with special emphasis on satisfying the psychological needs of the elderly since the definition of what constitutes “good health” in older age varies across studies. A study conducted by Ward, Barnes and Gahagan (2012) pointed out that the things that elderly people identify as essential to their well-being include having a role identity, relationships, the possibility of enjoyment, autonomy, security and the potential for personal growth.

According to World Health Organization (2015), there are around five key domains of functional ability that are essential for older people to meet their basic needs; as for being autonomous—learn, grow and make decisions; be mobile; in terms of relatedness—build and maintain relationships; and in terms of competence—being mobile and contribute. These abilities are essential to enable older people to do the things that they value.
In developing countries like the Philippines, the quality of life of older persons depends largely on the family support system. The family and the home are pivotal points of exchange of support and care among older and younger generations (Ogena, 2006). In a study of Glaser, Agree & Costenbader (2004), the elderly in the Philippines were most likely to receive financial and material support from their children.

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