[Structural Equation Modeling on Successful Aging in Elders with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Based on...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Pulmonology
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly impacts older adults' quality of life.
• Successful aging is a complex outcome influenced by various health and psychosocial factors.
• Dyspnea symptoms are a major concern for COPD patients, affecting their daily functioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the selection-optimization-compensation (SOC) strategy's role in successful aging among COPD patients.
• To investigate the mediating effect of dyspnea symptoms on the relationship between SOC strategies and successful aging.
• To assess the influence of coping strategies and social support on successful aging via SOC strategies.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 218 outpatients with COPD.
• Data collected between March and September 2015.
• Statistical analysis using SPSS and AMOS software.

Main Results:

• The proposed model demonstrated a good fit with the data.
• Seven out of eight hypotheses were statistically significant.
• SOC strategies indirectly influenced successful aging through dyspnea symptoms.
• Coping, social support, SOC strategies, and dyspnea explained 62% of the variance in successful aging.

Conclusions:

• SOC strategies, social support, and dyspnea symptom management are key predictors of successful aging in COPD patients.
• Nursing interventions should enhance social support and coping mechanisms to optimize SOC strategies.
• Empowering older adults with COPD to manage dyspnea is crucial for achieving successful aging.