Functional health status among rural and urban older adults in Taiwan: the effect of personal control and social control

Aim: To assess the relationship between perceived social control/personal control and functional health status among older adults in rural and urban Taiwan. Background. The ageing of the population is poised to emerge as a preeminent worldwide phenomenon. It is assumed that even though older adults experience many decades of autonomy and independence, the potential for illness or bodily decline will induce a serious reduction in the level of perceived control in older adult populations. Method. This is a descriptive correlational study using a secondary data base, Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study. Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study is a nationally representative study of health outcomes in the Taiwanese population. Results. Both perceived levels of social control and personal control had a statistically significant relationship with functional health status. Functional health status was significantly higher for urban older adults than their rural counterparts. Conclusions. Personal control and social control were both found to be predictors of functional health status. Major findings are supported by previous studies. Relevance to clinical practice. Nurses should create programs and plan activities to assist older adults to enhance their perceptions of social control or personal control in order to improve the health status of older adults and minimize associated health care costs.