Quality of Life as a Predictor of Successful Aging among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Urban and Rural Settings

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Background: Population aging has increased attention on the quality of life and successful aging of older adults. Objective: To examine urban–rural differences in subjective quality of life and self-rated successful aging, explore associations with psychosocial factors, and identify predictors of successful aging, including potential moderating effects of place of residence and chronic illness. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 adults aged ≥60 years in Eastern Croatia. Measures included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Self-assessment of Successful Ageing Scale (SSAS), and the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI). Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests (Mann–Whitney U, Spearman’s correlation), linear regression, and moderation analyses. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained (Class: 602-01/24-12/02; IRB: 2158/97-97-10-24-36). Results: Rural participants reported lower PWI scores (p = 0.005) and self-rated successful aging (p < 0.001) than urban participants. Active community involvement was positively associated with quality of life (Rho = 0.46; p < 0.001), whereas regret about missed opportunities and past actions was negatively associated (Rho = −0.20; p < 0.01). Regression analyses explained 48.3% of the variance in SSAS, with PWI as a strong positive predictor, and rural residence and chronic illness as negative predictors. Moderation analyses indicated that the association between PWI and SSAS was consistent across different environmental contexts and in the presence of illness. Conclusion: Older adults living in rural areas reported lower quality of life and self-rated successful aging compared with those in urban and suburban areas, with subjective well-being emerging as a key predictor. Promoting social engagement and addressing psychosocial barriers may enhance successful aging, particularly in rural populations.

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