Self-Esteem and Psychological Well-Being of Elderly Living with Families and in Old Age Homes: A Comparative Study

Self-esteem is an important aspect of the adaptive processes at all stages of life and especially in older adults. It is linked to the quality of adaptation, well-being, life satisfaction and health. The present research examined the self-esteem and well-being of elderly people living with their families versus those living in old age homes. Data was collected from 60 adults of age group 60–80 years, of which 30 individuals were residing at old age homes and 30 living with their families.

Two standardized instruments used to collect the data in this research were Rosenberg's self-esteem scale and Friedman's well-being scale. The t-ratio was calculated to find out the difference between two groups quantitatively. Qualitative analysis was also done based on interviews of elderly persons. It was hypothesized that there will be no difference in self-esteem and wellbeing of the elderly living with their families and of those living in old age homes. Quantitative analysis supported the hypothesis. However, qualitative analysis revealed that there is difference between both the groups. People living in old age homes have more problems in areas of guilt, happiness, calm, social deviation, independence, willingness to work, optimism, and loneliness than those living with their families.