title: Using the capability approach to understand the determinants of subjective well-being among community-dwelling older people in New Zealand.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  as the longevity of the population increases, attention has turned to quality of life of older people as a component of healthy ageing. The objective of this study was to use Welch Saleeby's model of the capability approach to explore the determinants of subjective well-being among older people.
  
  
  METHODS
  this analysis used data from a sample of older people, aged 50-87, from 2012 wave of the New Zealand Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NZLSA) (n = 2,793). Structural equation modelling was used to examine the relationships between the commodities (number of chronic conditions reported, physical and mental health), and personal and environmental factors (economic living standard and discrimination), on the capabilities of older people to achieve well-being.
  
  
  RESULTS
  the findings supported Welch Saleeby's model. Capabilities mediated the relationship between commodities and well-being, indicating that increasing the range of real opportunities available to older people is a key step in increasing well-being. Age and gender were also found to be significant moderators of these relationships. The relationship between economic living standards and well-being was weakest for the oldest participants, but experiences of discrimination had a stronger effect on well-being in this age group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Welch Saleeby's model of the capability approach provides a useful framework for advancing the ethics of care as it highlights the multidimensional nature of well-being in later life. Focusing on expanding capabilities for older people enables policymakers and practitioners to understand the resources and supports required to enable well-being in the context of health challenges.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Polly
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yeung
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Breheny
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D063506:Ageism; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009520:New Zealand; D011788:Quality of Life; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
keywords: ageing; capability approach; older people; quality of life; well-being