The well‐being equation: How inner fulfilment drives the impact of older persons on the Ghanaian society

Abstract

BackgroundUnderstanding and managing the complex processes of ageing is a critical function of gerontological nursing, especially when it comes to older people’s well‐being and their contributions to society. Globally, older persons contribute in many ways to families and communities. However, the relationship between older person’s overall well‐being and their propensity to contribute to society remains an important gap in research.ObjectiveThe study examined the association between well‐being and the impact of older persons on Ghanaian society.MethodsA secondary analysis of longitudinal survey data of the 2014/15 Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE Wave 2) conducted by the World Health Organization was used. The multilevel logistic regression technique was used to examine four dimensions of well‐being and their associations with high social contribution among older persons. The output was reported as odds ratios (OR).ResultsThe results show that older persons who had high physical and psychological well‐being were more likely to contribute to society (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.93, 1.68), (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.32, 2.33). However, those with high levels of emotional and spiritual well‐being were less likely to make social contributions (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49, 0.88), (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.66, 1.18).ConclusionThis study shows a positive association between well‐being and older persons’ societal impact. Good mental and physical health encourage societal involvement among older persons, while high emotional and spiritual well‐being may lead to less societal contribution.Implications for practiceThese findings are important for nursing policies promoting social contribution and well‐being among older persons 60 years and over in Ghana.