Do elderly people living in rural areas enjoy better mental wellbeing?: Evidence from Catalonia, Spain
- Autores: Manuela Alcañiz, Carme Riera Prunera, Aïda Solé Auró
- Localización: Documents de Treball ( IREA ), Nº. 13, 2019
- Idioma: inglés
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Resumen
Despite its relevance, the effect of rurality/territory on the emotional wellbeing of the elderly population has not been analyzed in depth. This work examines the influence of fixed and modifiable risk factors on emotional wellbeing at older ages with a special attention on the level of rurality in the environment. A population-based sample of 2,621 individuals aged 65-plus from Catalonia (Spain) is used. Cross-sectional data from 2015 to 2017 were provided by an official face-to-face survey. Based on a logistic regression, our results indicate that residing in a densely populated urban area reduces mental well-being in the elderly. More factors were found to be related to emotional well-being, especially those referred to functional limitations, social support and health burden. Health officials have to ensure that people enjoy a good quality of life during their last years of life.
