The Mediating Role of Eudaimonic Well-Being in the Effect of Perceived Poverty on Quality of Life in the Elderly.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to examine the mediating role of eudaimonic well-being in the effect of perceived poverty on quality of life in the elderly. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 523 elderly individuals aged 65 years and over living in Erzurum province between July and November 2024. R programming language 4.1.3, G*Power 3.1, and SPSS-22 program were used in the analysis of the study. RESULTS: The variable 'Perceived Poverty' has a negative and statistically significant effect on eudaimonic well-being (coefficient = -0.2546, p < 0.001). The variable 'eudaimonic well-being' has a positive and statistically significant direct effect on Quality of Life (coefficient = 0.4366, p < 0.001). The variable 'Perceived Poverty' has a negative and statistically significant direct effect on Quality of Life (coefficient = -0.2580, p < 0.001). The indirect effect measured through the variable 'eudaimonic well-being' was statistically significant (Effect = -0.1111, BootLLCI = -0.1385, BootULCI = -0.0826). According to the Shap graph, Perceived Poverty is identified as the most important variable in predicting the Quality of Life variable. CONCLUSIONS: Eudaimonic well-being significantly mediates the negative impact of perceived poverty on elderly quality of life. These findings highlight the need for holistic care programs that combine material support with interventions fostering purpose and personal growth. It is recommended that longitudinal studies be conducted on quality of life among the elderly.