Social Integration as a Pathway to Successful Aging: Exploring the Well-Being of Older Adults in District Bhakkar, Pakistan

Purpose: With the world's rapidly increasing elderly population, successful aging is an issue to focus on. While there has been an abundance of research on biological and psychological aspects of ageing, the importance of social integration in successful ageing is under-researched in Pakistan, especially in the rural areas of the country. The overall objective of this study was to explore the relationship of social integration with successful ageing among elderly people who are living in District Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. Methodology: A quantitative cross sectional research design was used. A multistage random sampling technique was used to recruit 150 older adults, who were 55 years old and above, for data collection through a structured interview schedule. The data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 26). Demographic characteristics were summarized using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential analysis was used to explore the relationship between social integration and successful aging. Findings: The results indicated that good family relationships, having a network of friends and being active in social/community activities were positively correlated with successful aging. Varying degrees of social integration were correlated with responses' life satisfaction, emotional well-being, and functional ability, with the higher levels of integration corresponding to the higher levels of life satisfaction, emotional well-being, and functional ability. Loneliness, chronic health problems, and financial security and social participation were, however, noted as major issues of successful aging. It also found that older people in rural areas of Pakistan are the most likely to be socially integrated through family support. Implications: The study points out the need for further enhancing the social supports of elderly people, developing community-based elderly programs, and enacting age-friendly policies to enhance the quality of life of elderly people. The results have implications for both policy and practice, particularly for those who provide care for the elderly and social services planning for social welfare.