Measuring the impact of loneliness, physical activity, and self esteem on the health of the retired people
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to measure the impact of loneliness, physical activity (PA) and self-esteem on the health of retired people and also checks the moderating role of living arrangements and gender of the elderly people on this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Four standardized scales were used in the study to measure four different constructs: Self-Worth Questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3, General Health Questionnaire-28 and Physical Activity Scale for Elders. Structural equation modelling was applied to the four constructs.
Findings
The study concluded that loneliness has a negative and significant impact on the health of retired people, while self-esteem and PA have a positive and significant impact on their health.
Originality/value
The study is among the few to include multiple instruments to measure abstract parameters in the field of health care. The paper brings out implications not just for academicians but also for policymakers, considering the complex situation prevailing in the emerging economy.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge that this study has not been funded by any institution, and there is no conflict of interest. The study is original and the identity of the respondents has been kept confidential. Both the data and the instrument can be obtained from the researcher on request.
Citation
Sharma, E. and Prince, J.B. (2023), "Measuring the impact of loneliness, physical activity, and self esteem on the health of the retired people", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-08-2023-0091
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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