Gender difference about death anxiety among older adults: Structural Equation Model

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Older adults exhibit higher susceptibility to death anxiety compared to younger individuals.
• Gender differences significantly influence the factors contributing to death anxiety in the elderly population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors affecting death anxiety in older adults, with a specific focus on gender-based variations.
• To identify predictors of death anxiety and their differential impact on older men and women.

Main Methods:

• A correlational study involving 450 older adults in Bukan, Iran, using randomized sampling.
• Data collection included demographic, anxiety, well-being, social support, and quality of life questionnaires.
• Statistical analyses employed Spearman correlation, quintile regression, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).

Main Results:

• In men, death anxiety correlated with literacy, body image, and perceived social activity.
• In women, death anxiety correlated with physical activity and perceived social activity.
• Anxiety about aging predicted death anxiety in men, while perceived social support predicted it in women; SEM revealed gender differences in mental well-being predictability.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare providers should consider gender-specific factors when addressing death anxiety in older adults.
• Tailored interventions addressing literacy, social engagement, physical activity, and social support may help reduce death anxiety among the elderly.