INTERSECTIONAL CHALLENGES OF ADL AND FINANCIAL LIMITATIONS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF PARTICIPATION IN WELLBEING

Q: What is the main research question of the study?

The study examines whether participation mediates the relationship between ADL limitations and well-being, and between financial constraints and well-being.

Q: How was participation measured and analyzed?

The study applies Structural Equation Modeling using latent constructs for well-being, participation, ADL, and financial constraints based on NHATS waves 5 to 9.

Q: What did the results show about the direction of key associations?

ADL limitations and financial constraints negatively relate to well-being and to participation, while participation positively predicts well-being, supporting mediation.

Sep 29, 2026

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Older adults experiencing ADL limitations alongside financial constraints encounter substantial barriers to well-being. Although community participation has been linked to improved well-being, its mediating role in the intersection of functional and economic difficulties remains unclear. The study uses Structural Equation Modeling on NHATS waves 5–9 (n=4,152) to test relationships among ADL, financial constraints, participation, and well-being, including relevant covariates. Results support a model with good fit and show participation mediates effects on well-being.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

908 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3070 INTERSECTIONAL CHALLENGES OF ADL AND FINANCIAL LIMITATIONS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF PARTICIPATION IN WELLBEING Qiwei Li1, Xiaoli Li2, and Cheng Yin3, 1. California State University, Fresno, Fresno, California, United States, 2. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States, 3. University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, United States Background: Older adults with both ADL limitations and financial constraints face significant challenges in achieving well-being. While community participation was reported as a factor to improved well-being, little is known about its mediating role in this population facing the intersectional difficulties brought by ADL and financial limitations. This study applies Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships between ADL, financial constraints, participation, and well-being. Methods: Using waves 5 to 9 of NHATS data (n = 4,152), we specified latent constructs for Well-being, Participation, ADL, and Financial Constraints within an SEM model. Mediation effects were assessed by decomposing direct and indirect effects and calculating the mediated proportion. Covariates were included in the model as well. Results: The model demonstrated good fit. ADL had a direct negative association with well-being (β = -0.423, p < .001) and participation (β = -0.475, p < .001) . Participation positively predicted well-being (β = 0.255, p < .001), indicating mediation. Financial constraints negatively impacted participation (β = -0.075, p <.001) and well-being (β = -0.083, p < .001) . Marital status (β = 0.041, p = .008) and race (β = 0.035, p = .027) were also significant well-being predictors. Participation mediated 22.3% of theADL to well-being relationship and 18.8% of the financial constraints to well-being relationship. Conclusion: Participation serves as a key mediator between ADL limitations, financial constraints, and well-being. These findings highlight the importance of social engagement interventions to support well-being among older adults facing both functional and financial barriers.

FAQs

What is the main research question of the study?

The study examines whether participation mediates the relationship between ADL limitations and well-being, and between financial constraints and well-being.

How was participation measured and analyzed?

The study applies Structural Equation Modeling using latent constructs for well-being, participation, ADL, and financial constraints based on NHATS waves 5 to 9.

What did the results show about the direction of key associations?

ADL limitations and financial constraints negatively relate to well-being and to participation, while participation positively predicts well-being, supporting mediation.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by McGucket