Self-neglect as a mediator between family functioning and healthy aging in older adults living alone in rural China: A cross-sectional study

Objective: This study aims to investigate the mediating role of self -neglect among older adults in the relationship between family functioning and healthy aging. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted between June and September 2023, involving 255 older adults living alone in rural China. The healthy ageing, self -neglect, and family functioning was assessed using the Healthy Aging Instrument;the Elderly Self -neglect Assessment (Rural);and Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve (APGAR) scale. Results: Positive correlations were found between family functioning and healthy aging ( r = 0.363, p < 0.05). Moreover, self -neglect was identi fied as a signi ficant mediator, explaining 40.84 % of the total effect. Conclusion: Among older adults living alone in rural China, family functioning is signi ficantly associated with healthy aging, with self -neglect mediating this relationship. These findings suggest that community -based interventions aimed at improving family functioning and addressing self -neglect behaviors might be bene fi- cial for promoting healthy aging in this population. (c) 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.