Validating an instrument to assess realization of substantive and production well-being needs among native and migrant older adults in the Netherlands

Abstract Older adults’ well-being depends on fulfilling substantive needs (e.g., affection, comfort, stimulation) and production needs (e.g., control, avoidance of a loss frame). Validated instruments capturing both need types across culturally diverse populations are scarce. This study aimed to validate a combined instrument assessing substantive and production needs among Dutch, Surinamese-Dutch, Turkish-Dutch, and Moroccan-Dutch older adults and to examine group differences in need fulfilment and in life satisfaction as a global indicator of subjective well-being. Data were drawn from a representative sample of 862 older adults (65–98 years) in Rotterdam, stratified by migration background. Substantive needs were measured using the SPF-ILs, and production needs with the control and loss avoidance dimensions of the SPF-Q. Life satisfaction was assessed with Cantril’s ladder. Psychometric evaluation included confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance testing, internal consistency, and construct validity. Associations with migration background and life satisfaction were examined using regression analyses. Confirmatory factor analysis supported factorial validity (RMSEA = 0.032, CFI = 0.972, SRMR = 0.035), with good internal consistency across subscales ( α = 0.69–0.84). Measurement invariance held across gender and migration background. Native Dutch participants reported higher affection, comfort, stimulation and loss avoidance than Turkish- and Moroccan-Dutch older adults, higher control than Moroccan-Dutch older adults, and lower status than Turkish-Dutch older adults. Production needs, particularly loss avoidance, independently predicted life satisfaction and attenuated the effects of the five substantive needs. The combined SPF-ILs and SPF-Q is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing both substantive and production needs among culturally diverse older adults. Fulfilment of production needs, especially loss avoidance, plays a key role in sustaining life satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of capturing both the “what” and the “how” of well-being. This instrument offers a comprehensive framework for research and interventions supporting well-being in diverse aging populations.