OBJECTIVES: The elders face numerous negative outcomes, which will impair their quality of life. Quality of life has been shown to have significant correlation with empowerment or resilience among patients. This study aimed to confirm the relationship between health empowerment and Chinese urban-dwelling elders’ quality of life, and to determine the mediating role of resilience.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on urban-dwelling elders aged 60 and above at three communities in China. Data were collected using a questionnaire comprising four sections (sociodemographic characteristics, the SF-8 Health Survey, the Elders Health empowerment Scale, and two-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale).

RESULTS: The mean scores of health empowerment, resilience and quality of life were 31.71 (SD=5.64), 7.25 (SD=1.93) and 71.11 (SD = 15.76), respectively. Health empowerment was positively related to quality of life (P = 0.003). The mediating role of resilience in the relationship between health empowerment and quality of life was confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS: Resilience plays a mediating role in the relation of health empowerment and quality of life. To effectively promote quality of life in older people, health empowerment and resilience should be considered when developing health interventions.