The Psychological Well-being of Institutionalized Elders: Mental Health and Elder Care Institutions in Sri Lanka

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes regarding the psychological well-being, gender dynamics, and institutional care of elders in Sri Lanka.

Demographic Transition in Sri Lanka

A rapid shift resulting from increased life expectancy and declining fertility rates, which has increased the demand for elder care institutions.

Social Significance (of the study)

Relates to how the mental well-being of institutionalized elders directly affects their social inclusion, dignity, and quality of life.

Stigma of Institutionalization

Emotional distress in Sri Lankan society rooted in the traditional view that caring for ageing parents is a responsibility of the family.

Sustainable Development Goal 3

Good Health and Wellbeing.

Sustainable Development Goal 10

Reduced Inequalities.

Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing

An international commitment through which Sri Lanka has pledged to protect the wellbeing and rights of older persons.

Gender-specific Challenges for Older Men

Traditional masculine norms that discourage help-seeking behavior and emotional expression, leading to underrecognition of psychological distress.

Intersectional Perspective

A framework in gender discourse that recognizes how gender interacts with location, marital status, age, disability, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity to shape wellbeing.

Quality of Life

Includes an overall sense of fulfilment and dignity in later life, relationships, living conditions, access to care, autonomy, and participation in activities.

Institutionalization

Setting that provides healthcare support and safety but presents challenges such as loss of independence, changes in identity, and difficulty adapting to routines.

Social Isolation

A state experienced by institutionalized elders due to separation from family, loss of previous social roles, and limited community involvement.

Psychological Well-being

Factors influencing older adults such as opportunities for meaningful engagement, the institutional environment, gender roles, personal autonomy, and social support.

Abeysinghe (2024)

Researcher who highlights that dementia caregiving in Sri Lanka is shaped by religious and cultural lenses such as spirit possession, fate, and karma.

Fernando, Suveendran, and De Silva (2017)

Authors who reviewed Sri Lanka’s transition from a centralized mental health system to a community-based, decentralized model.

Samarakoon and Samarakoon (2025)

Study finding that elder well-being declines sharply after age 75 and that women face specific vulnerabilities like lack of income security and widowhood.

Thoradeniya (2022)

Researcher who explored the growing demand for institutional care caused by migration, shrinking family structures, and changing capacity of families for full-time support.

Filial Piety

A cultural value historically emphasizing home-based care, though now challenged by urbanization and economic pressure.