Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 2025 (ESCI)
The generalizability of concepts related to successful aging in older adults remains a contentious topic in the literature. This study aims to examine the relationship between perceived social support, satisfaction with life, and nursing home residency status on successful aging among older adults in Turkey. The study was conducted through face-to-face interviews with a quantitative cross-sectional design, involving 399 individuals aged 65 and above (M = 73.69, SD = 7.85), including 147 non-nursing home residents and 252 nursing home residents in Istanbul and Edirne. Data collection tools included a personal information form, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Successful Aging Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The data were analyzed using Pearson and Spearman rho correlations and mediation analysis. According to the correlation findings, successful aging was positively correlated with both satisfaction with life and perceived social support. However, nursing home residency was negatively correlated with perceived social support, while positively correlated with satisfaction with life. Furthermore, the mediation analysis revealed that perceived social support was directly and positively related to both satisfaction with life and successful aging. It was also determined that satisfaction with life played a positive and partial mediating role in the relationship between perceived social support and successful aging. This study highlights the importance of social support and life satisfaction in successful aging. Strengthening social support mechanisms and implementing targeted interventions can enhance older adults’ well-being. Future research and policy improvements are needed to optimize support systems for aging populations.