Social Support, Life Satisfaction and Meaning in Life among Urban and Rural Elderly of West Bengal

The present study, which examined the effect of area of residence on social support, life satisfaction, and meaning in life among 60 elderly individuals, has revealed a pressing need for targeted interventions. These individuals, belonging to rural and urban households, males and females in equal numbers, from three districts of West Bengal, were administered the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). The results showed significant differences between elderly living in rural and urban areas on social support, life satisfaction, and presence of meaning, with urban elderly reporting higher levels of these variables. The main effect of area of residence was significant, while the main effect of gender and the interaction effect was insignificant. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve social support to significantly enhance the well-being and life satiifaction of the elderly, particularly in rural regions of West Bengal. The implications of this study highlight the necessityfor immediate action to address the well-being of the elderly in different residential areas, emphasising the crucial role of targeted interventions in improving the lives of the elderly. The potential of these interventions to make a significant difference in the lives of the elderly is promising, and this study provides a strong foundation for their implementation and success.