How do older people achieve well-being? Validation of the Social Production Function Instrument for the level of well-being-short (SPF-ILs)

Abstract

In a time of aging populations and an enormous increase in frailty within them, examination of these populations' ability to achieve well-being has become increasingly important. This study aims to validate a theory-driven instrument for the measurement of well-being in three community-dwelling older populations: (i) a general population, (ii) a frail population, and (iii) Turkish migrants. The short (15-item) version of the Social Production Function Instrument for the Level of Well-being (SPF-ILs) measures whether a person's needs for stimulation, comfort, behavioral confirmation, affection, and status are met. This instrument has been validated only in adult (aged 18-65 years) populations. Three datasets were used to validate the SPF-ILs in samples of the general older population (945 respondents aged ≥ 70 years), frail older people (414 respondents aged ≥ 70 years), and older Turkish migrants (680 respondents aged ≥ 65 years) residing in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Psychometric results showed that the SPF-ILs is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of well-being and need-related goals to achieve well-being among (frail) native and migrant older populations. Worldwide, countries face the challenge of maintaining community-dwelling older people's well-being. This study clearly showed that older people differ in their realization of well-being which increased our understanding of the ability of community-dwelling older people in various populations to achieve well-being.

Keywords: Aging; Culture; Frailty; Need-related well-being goals; Social production function theory; Turkish.