The impact of perceived family social support on life satisfaction among older adults in Türkiye during COVID-19: Mediating roles of loneliness and coping strategies

Abstract This study investigates the relationships between perceived family social support, loneliness, coping strategies, and life satisfaction among older adults in Türkiye during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, focusing on the mediating roles of loneliness and coping strategies. Using a cross-sectional design, the study collected data from 501 participants. The data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The findings reveal that perceived family social support is positively associated with both coping strategies and life satisfaction and negatively associated with loneliness. In addition, loneliness was found to negatively impact life satisfaction, while coping strategies had a positive effect. Furthermore, loneliness and coping strategies significantly mediate the relationship between perceived family social support and life satisfaction. These results provide essential insights for social workers and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of supportive family environments to improve the well-being of older adults.