Interrelationships Between the Holistic Wellbeing Quadrants and Social Wellbeing of Older Persons in Ghana

Abstract

The global population is ageing at an unprecedented rate, with Africa experiencing the fastest growth in the number of older persons (aged 60 and above), followed by Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia. Like other developing nations, such as Zimbabwe, Namibia, India and Indonesia, Ghana is witnessing a rapid rise in its ageing population. It is crucial to understand and address the unique wellbeing needs of Ghanaian older persons. This study examined the interrelationships between emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing and their collective influence on the social wellbeing of older persons in Ghana. Using data from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) Wave 2, a sample of 1927 individuals aged 60 and above was analysed through structural equation modelling (SEM). Results reveal that physical wellbeing (β = 0.57, p < 0.001) strongly predicts social wellbeing, followed by spiritual (β = 0.25, p < 0.001), emotional (β = 0.17, p < 0.001) and psychological (β = 0.17, p < 0.001) wellbeing. In addition, each wellbeing dimension interacts synergistically, enhancing overall social wellbeing (integration, acceptance, coherence, contribution and actualisation). Factors such as sex, marital status and perceived health significantly mediate these relationships, with older females and married individuals reporting higher social wellbeing. The findings highlight the need for multidimensional interventions to support healthy ageing, advocating for policies that enhance the interconnected wellbeing dimensions to foster social inclusion and quality of life for older persons in Ghana. Holistic care models should be adopted for multidimensional care approaches addressing emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing to enhance social wellbeing of older persons.