Attitude Towards Ageing Among Elderly Population Residing at Selected Old Age Home and Home Dwelling Elderly Population: Comparative Approach

Background: Elderly population attitude towards ageing is critical for their adjustment, acceptance of health-related behavior, survival and choices.Their attitude influences how they cope with the challenges experienced while ageing, which affects their quality of life and health-related outcomes.This study examines the comparison of the attitude of elderly population residing at old home and home dwelling elderly population.Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study among elderly population aged 60-80 years was conducted in a selected old age home and elderly residing at Chennai, TamilNadu.The study participants (40 old age home residents and 40 home residents) were selected using a purposive sampling technique.Data was collected by interview method using Attitude to Ageing Questionnaire (AAQ) in three domains (psychosocial loss, physical changes and psychological growth).Collected data was analyzed based on the objectives of the study using SPSS 23.Results: A total of 80 elderly populations (40 old age home residents and 40 home dwelling) were selected for the study.The mean age was 42.5 ± 9.3 and 30.0 ± 7.6.Majority (62.5 % and 45.0 %) were males.Overall, home dwelling elderly population had a better attitude to the ageing process in all the domains compared with old age home residents.(psychologicalgrowth 32.5/40 ± 3.4 Vs. 35.4/40 ± 3.3, p = 0.30; physical change 27.5/40 ± 5.1 Vs. 36.9/40 ± 5.0, p = 0.03; and psychosocial loss 25.3/40 ± 5.7 vs. 28.0/40± 5.3, p = 0.60).The overall domains score was 85.3/120 ± 7.2, p = 0.42 Vs 100.3/120 ± 9.5, p = 0.62. Conclusions:The environment in which elderly individuals live significantly shapes their attitudes towards ageing.Ensuring supportive, respectful, and enriching environment is crucial for fostering positive attitudes towards ageing.Care and interventions should be tailored to address the specific needs of both groups, promoting social integration, healthcare access, and economic stability to enhance their overall quality of life.