Do elderly people living in rural areas enjoy better mental well-being? Evidence from Catalonia, Spain

Abstract

Despite its relevance, the effect of rurality/territory on the emotional well-being of the elderly population has not been analyzed in depth. This work examines the influence of fixed and modifiable risk factors on emotional well-being at older ages with a special attention on the level of rurality in the environment. A population-based sample of 2,621 individuals aged 65-plus from Catalonia (Spain) is used. Cross-sectional data from 2015 to 2017 were provided by an official face-to-face survey. Based on a logistic regression, our results indicate that residing in a densely populated urban area reduces mental well-being in the elderly. More factors were found to be related to emotional well-being, especially those referred to functional limitations, social support and health burden. Health officials have to ensure that people enjoy a good quality of life during their last years of life.