Predictors of occupational balance, life balance, and quality of life among Iranian community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study

Background Throughout their lives, individuals engage in occupations that are essential for survival, personal development, and fostering a sense of belonging. As people age and retire, significant shifts occur in daily occupations which can potentially impact their well-being, health, and quality of life. This cross-sectional study investigated the predictors of occupational balance, life balance, and quality of life among Iranian community-dwelling older adults.Method Stratified and convenience sampling methods were used to recruit 147 older adults. Participants completed five assessments: Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ), Life Balance Inventory (LBI), World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the key predictors of occupational balance, life balance, and quality of life.Results Approximately half of the participants had high occupational balance, while more than half had moderate to high life balance. The findings revealed positive correlations between occupational balance, life balance, and quality of life, as well as negative correlations with general health (GHQ scores) and anxiety/depression levels (HADS scores) (p ≤ 0.001). Regression analysis identified lower anxiety and depression, and better general health, as the strongest predictors of occupational balance. Additionally, lower levels of depression and better health were the best predictors of life balance and quality of life.Conclusion The findings support the relationship between occupational balance and life balance with the quality of life, general health, and psychological health of older Iranian adults.