The Relationship between Death Anxiety, Spiritual Well-Being, and Successful Aging among Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Background: death anxiety is a prevalent problem among older adults, as they exposed to bio-psychosocial changes. It is associated with adverse health consequences, including the decrease in physical functions, psychological stress, and weakening of religious beliefs. Adherence to spirituality can be a crucial factor in dealing with the notion of death anxiety and contributing to successful aging among older adults. Aim of the study: determine the relationship between death anxiety, spiritual well-being, and successful aging among community dwelling older adults. Design: A descriptive correlational research design was used to carry out this study. Setting: This study was conducted at three elderly clubs at Damanhour city, El-Behaira Governorate, Egypt. Subjects: 137 community dwelling older adults. Tools: four tools were used; tool I: A Socio-Demographic and Presence of Chronic Disease Structured Interview Schedule, tool II: The Arabic Scale of Death Anxiety (ASDA), tool III: Spiritual Well-being scale (SWBS), tool IV: Successful Aging Scale (SAS). Results: More than half of the studied older adults experienced either moderate or severe death anxiety. A positive significant relation spirituality and successful ageing (r=0.610, p < 0.001). Also, A negative correlation between death anxiety and spirituality (r=-0.679, p < 0.001) and successful ageing (r=-0.746, p < 0.001). Conclusion: there was significant positive relationship between spirituality and successful ageing which were statistically significant negative predictors of death anxiety in older adults. Recommendations: Providing psycho-educational program about successful aging and spiritual mental health promotion among older adults starting from early life stages through media, and religious classes in schools, clubs, and health care settings.