The Role of Aesthetics in Promoting Health-Related Quality of Life for Older Adults Transitioning to Long-Term Services and Support

The aesthetics of a home can promote healthy connections, well-being, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among older adults. Increased understanding of the meaning of aesthetics assigned by older adults transitioning to long-term services and supports (LTSS) is needed. Informed by the HRQoL conceptual framework, this study used cross-sectional data (n = 376) to examine the factors associated with the outcome variable sense of aesthetics among older adults newly enrolled in LTSS. Multivariable linear regression modeling was conducted. Greater social interaction (p < 0.0001) and a greater religious/spiritual disposition (p = 0.004) were associated with a higher sense of aesthetics. Older adults receiving LTSS in the nursing home (p = 0.029) reported a lower sense of aesthetics than those in the home and assisted living. Findings indicate a need for LTSS interdisciplinary teams of geriatric nurses and other providers to foster aesthetic experiences for older adults transitioning to LTSS.