The Impact of a Sense of Belonging on the Health-Related Quality of Life among the Elderly in New York City

This study aims to enhance the existing literature on the sense of belonging by exploring its impact on health-related quality of life among older adults in New York City. It also examines how this sense of belonging varies across different demographic characteristics and health conditions. We conducted a cross-sectional study using the Sense of Belonging Instrument-Psychological State (SOBI-P) and Health-related Quality of Life-4 (HRQOL-4) to collect online data from 378 participants, all aged 60 and above, residing in the five boroughs of New York City. Our findings indicate that males have a lower sense of belonging, while Black/African Americans scored significantly higher than those in the 'other' category. Additionally, individuals with hearing and visual impairments scored significantly lower on the sense of belonging compared to those with other health conditions. The study also indicates that a stronger sense of belonging is linked to better perceived health. Conversely, it found that a lower sense of belonging is associated with more days of poor physical and mental health, which in turn are connected to fewer days of engaging in usual activities. Recommendations to enhance the sense of belonging among older adults are provided.