Quality of Life of Elderly Residents of Old-Age Homes: A Cross-Sectional Study From Tripura.

Background and aim Quality of life (QOL) among older adults is an important indicator of the health and well-being of this vulnerable population. This study aimed to assess the QOL of older adults residing in old-age homes. Methods This facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and February 2024 among 79 elderly residents aged ≥60 years from five randomly selected old-age homes in Agartala. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument. Domain scores were calculated according to WHO guidelines. Independent-samples t test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression were used to compare QOL scores and identify independent predictors of QOL. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The social relationships domain recorded the highest mean QOL score (67.3 ± 11.0), whereas the psychological domain had the lowest score (44.2 ± 11.7). Participants aged ≤70 years had significantly higher physical domain scores than those aged >70 years (p = 0.020). Higher socioeconomic status was independently associated with better psychological QOL (B = 11.63, 95% CI: 2.78-20.48; p = 0.011), whereas participants who lived in joint families had significantly higher social relationships domain scores (B = 8.79, 95% CI: 0.54-17.03; p = 0.037). No significant associations were observed with gender, religion, marital status, comorbidity status, or type of old-age home. Conclusions Older adults residing in old-age homes in Agartala exhibited a relatively high QOL in the social relationships domain, although their psychological well-being was comparatively compromised. These findings provide region-specific evidence that could guide the development of comprehensive geriatric care and supportive services for older adults living in old-age homes.