Abstract:

This study examines ways in which aspects of activity may mediate realtionships between physical illness and well-being among older people. Data was obtained from the Health Status of Older People survey of 1000 people aged 65 or over who lived in Melbourne. After controlling for gender, marital status, and percieved social support, multivariate analyses showed that the major impacts of illness and pain were through their effects on activity limitations which in turn were related to lowered well-being. Health promotion and care for older people is placing an increased emphasis on maintaining independence and well-being. A substantial psychological and medical literature has reported that the well-being of older people is associated with illness and pain, general activity and functional dependence, psychosocial factors such as social support, and social characteristics such as gender and marital status.