In the rapidly evolving landscape of aging research, understanding the multifaceted influences on healthy aging remains paramount. A recent groundbreaking study published in BMC Psychology delves deep into the nuanced relationships between economic limitations, social exclusion, and their combined effects on the health outcomes of elderly populations in Turkey. This investigation provides crucial insights into not just the individual impacts of these factors but also their intertwined mechanisms, revealing a complex moderated mediation model that illuminates pathways through which these social determinants shape the aging process.
Healthy aging is an increasingly urgent issue on the global health agenda, particularly as the proportion of older adults surges worldwide. However, the heterogeneity in aging experiences reflects not only biological changes but also social and economic contexts. In populations like that of Turkey—where demographic shifts, cultural transitions, and economic fluctuations intersect—the dynamics of aging are especially compelling. This research cuts through the conventional narratives by examining how economic constraints, often conceptualized as material deprivation or financial insecurity, manifest alongside social exclusion, including diminished participation in social networks and community activities. The integration of these two dimensions signals a comprehensive approach to gerontological psychology.
The researchers employed a sophisticated moderated mediation analysis, a statistical method that allows disentangling the direct and indirect effects of economic hardship on healthy aging, while simultaneously identifying conditions under which these effects may vary. Mediation refers here to the mechanism through which economic constraints may influence aging health via social exclusion, acting as an intermediary factor. Moderation, on the other hand, tests whether the strength or direction of this mediated relationship changes across different levels of a moderator variable, which, in this study, could pertain to psychosocial resources or personal resilience indicators but is grounded in the detailed Turkish socio-cultural context.
Over 2,000 Turkish older adults participated in the study, providing comprehensive self-report data alongside clinical and demographic information. The demographic diversity ensured a robust representation across urban and rural settings, educational levels, and income brackets. Such granularity was critical not only for statistical rigor but also for appreciating the heterogeneity within older Turkish populations. The data illuminated stark disparities: those experiencing severe economic hardship often reported higher levels of social isolation, which corresponded with poorer physical and mental health outcomes, reinforcing the hypothesis that social exclusion acts as a crucial mediator.
One pivotal finding was the significant indirect effect of economic constraints on healthy aging through social exclusion. This suggests that financial limitations may erode social networks, reduce participation in meaningful community engagements, and consequently accelerate health decline. For example, older adults unable to afford transportation or communication technologies found themselves increasingly marginalized, which in turn exacerbated feelings of loneliness and psychological distress. The study highlighted this cascading effect, underscoring the necessity to address both economic and social factors simultaneously for intervention success.
Adding further complexity, the study identified that this mediated relationship was moderated by certain protective or vulnerability factors inherent to the Turkish cultural fabric. Variables such as family cohesion, religious involvement, and community support networks either amplified or buffered the negative impacts of economic hardship and social exclusion. This moderation effect amplified the salience of culturally contextualized resources, implying that universal aging models may fall short unless they incorporate local social dynamics and value systems.
From a methodological perspective, the utilization of moderated mediation modeling reflects an increasing trend in social science to embrace complexity rather than simplicity. It acknowledges that the pathways to healthy aging are seldom linear or unidimensional. Instead, they emerge through interacting factors—personal, social, and structural—that forge intricate causal webs. Such analytical sophistication allows policymakers and practitioners to pinpoint not only risk factors but also conditions under which interventions can be optimized, thereby guiding multidimensional strategies to promote better health outcomes.
The implications of these findings extend beyond academia, resonating with public health officials and aging service providers. As Turkey’s elderly population grows, understanding how economic constraints fuel social exclusion and ultimately health deterioration can inform social policy reform. For instance, community-based initiatives fostering social integration, subsidizing transportation, or technological access may mitigate the social exclusion burden. Likewise, economic policies aiming to alleviate poverty among older adults can indirectly bolster social connectivity, amplifying their protective effects on health and well-being.
Moreover, this research contributes to a broader comparative discourse by situating Turkish older adults within a global context. While economic hardship and social isolation are universal issues for elderly populations, their manifestations and interrelations bear unique cultural signatures. The Turkish context, characterized by strong family ties but emergent urbanization and economic transformation, offers a distinctive case study that enriches understanding of how cultural and economic change reshape aging trajectories worldwide.
The researchers’ commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration is evident in the study’s framing. Integrating psychological theory with sociological concepts and advanced statistical methods positions this research at the interface between social epidemiology and gerontology. This synthesis fosters new paradigms for examining aging as a biopsychosocial process influenced by layered and intersecting determinants, moving beyond biomedical reductionism toward holistic models essential for effective aging policy.
Interestingly, the study also hints at future research directions, emphasizing the need for longitudinal data to capture dynamic changes over time. While cross-sectional analyses like the current one provide snapshots, aging is a lifelong, evolving process shaped by historical and anticipatory factors. Longitudinal follow-up studies would allow for temporal sequencing, clarifying causality, and potentially unveiling critical periods where interventions could have maximum impact.
Furthermore, the incorporation of digital and technological dimensions in subsequent research could deepen understanding of social exclusion. With the expanding role of digital communication in maintaining social ties, financial barriers to accessing these technologies may represent a novel form of exclusion. This line of inquiry could unveil new intervention targets, especially relevant in the post-pandemic era, where hybrid modes of social interaction have become normative.
The study’s policy recommendations stress integrative approaches combining economic support with social engagement programs. Governments and nonprofits could develop multifaceted interventions that address material needs while promoting social inclusion through culturally tailored activities. These might include community centers, intergenerational programs, and culturally resonant forms of social participation, reinforcing both economic and psychosocial well-being.
At a societal level, the findings stimulate reflection on ageism and social values vis-à-vis the elderly. Recognizing social exclusion as not only a consequence but also a driver of ill-health invites deeper systemic changes. Cultivating societies that value older adults’ contributions and foster inclusive environments may mitigate social exclusion’s deleterious effects, promoting dignity and resilience in aging.
In conclusion, this detailed exploration into the interconnectedness of economic and social factors reshaping healthy aging in Turkish older adults offers vital lessons for a global audience. By exposing the mediation of social exclusion in the economic determinants of health and the moderating role of cultural resources, it enriches the scientific dialogue around aging. Its methodological rigor and cultural sensitivity provide a template for future investigations and practical frameworks to support one of the most vulnerable yet vital segments of the population.
As demographic changes echo worldwide, illuminating the invisible chains that economic scarcity and social disconnect impose on the elderly is crucial. This research not only highlights these chains but also points toward breaking them through informed intervention, comprehensive policy, and dedicated communal effort. In doing so, it contributes meaningfully to the pursuit of healthier, happier aging societies for generations to come.
Subject of Research:
The interplay between economic constraints, social exclusion, and healthy aging among older adults in Turkey, analyzed through a moderated mediation framework.
Article Title:
Are economic constraints and social exclusion linked to healthy aging among Turkish older adults?– A moderated mediation analysis.
Article References:
Keşen, F.N.S., Artan, T. & Arifoglu, A.T. Are economic constraints and social exclusion linked to healthy aging among Turkish older adults?– A moderated mediation analysis. BMC Psychol 13, 887 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03260-4
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