Predictors of life satisfaction among older adults living in the community

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the linear relationship of eight predictor variables and the self-reports ratings of current and global life satisfaction among older men and women living in a community. The major findings of the study demonstrate that life satisfaction is related to particular types of activities (global, intimate and leisure), informal and formal social interactions, number of social roles, satisfying family and leisure life events, functional and adequacy of physical health. However, religious activity, work life events, gender, chronological age and all of the socioeconomic factors are not found to be significantly associated with life satisfaction. Adequacy of health was shown to be the predominant correlate of life satisfaction. These findings are congruent with evidence in the literature indicating that good health and involvement in social activities are principal contributors to life satisfaction in later life. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)