Coping strategies as predictors of mental well-being in the elderly

The population of the elderly is diverse and the kind of interventions they need can vary based on many factors. The aim of this study was to understand if there are significant differences between the coping strategies and mental health od elderly who are financially dependent on someone, who are partially dependent and who are not dependent. For the purpose of this study, 300 participants (aged between 60 to 80 years) were recruited in total. Out of these, 44 people were not financially dependent, 154 of them were partially dependent and 102 of them were completely financially dependent. With the help of the voter’s list of three localities of West Delhi, random sampling was carried out. Inferential statistics was used to conduct an F-test. The results indicated that economic dependence did make a difference in the coping strategies and mental health of the three groups. The economically not dependent group uses confrontation and control coping strategies extensively. They have rated their mental health to be higher than the economically fully dependent group. No difference was found on the dimension of seeking interpersonal help in coping strategies among the three groups. One can argue that being economically independent facilitates a better mental health among the elderly. Therefore, the research can eb used by policy makers to discuss different and flexible methods of employment or long-term pension plans for the elderly. Moreover, the study can help look at elderly as a heterogenous group of people whose needs can vary based on many factors instead of contextualizing them as a homogenous group with the same needs.