Design and Implementation of Intervention for Increasing Elderly's Psychological Well-Being: A Case Study on Surabaya Setting

Biopsychosocial changes have determined the psychological well-being (PWB) of the elderly. Interventions based on empirical findings were needed for increasing the elderly's PWB. This research had three objectives, namely: 1) to identify the elderly's biopsychological needs that determined their PWB; 2) to design an intervention model based on the Riff's six dimensions of PWB; and 3) to implement a community-based intervention model for increasing the elderly's PWB. This research was conducted in three years by using participatory action research design on three selected elderly communities in Surabaya City. Data obtained by means of observations, questionnaires as well as interviews. The data were analyzed descriptively in order to answer those research objectives. The previous results as the identification of the elderly's needs became input for designing a set of intervention modules based on the six dimensions of PWB that were autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, purpose in life, relations with others, and self-acceptance. The results showed that the community-based interventions were perceived to improve the elderlys PWB. Futhermore, community characteristics must be considered in designing community-based intervention for increasing the elderly's PWB.