scholarly journals Life satisfaction of older people in six European countries: findings from the European Study on Adult Well-Being

2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieter Ferring ◽  
Cristian Balducci ◽  
Vanessa Burholt ◽  
Clare Wenger ◽  
F. Thissen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Older People ◽  
Well Being ◽  
European Countries ◽  
European Study

scholarly journals Do opposite ends of same factors underlie life satisfaction vs. depressive symptoms among older people?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katja Pynnönen ◽  
Katja Kokko ◽  
Milla Saajanaho ◽  
Timo Törmäkangas ◽  
Erja Portegijs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Older People ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Financial Situation ◽  
Self Acceptance

Abstract Background Although depressive symptoms are more common among older than younger age groups, life satisfaction tends to remain stable over the life course, possibly because the underlying factors or processes differ. Aim To study whether the factors that increase the likelihood of high life satisfaction also decrease the likelihood of depressive symptoms among older people. Methods The data were a population-based probability sample drawn from community-dwelling people aged 75, 80, and 85 years (n = 1021). Participants’ life satisfaction was measured with the Satisfaction with Life Scale and depressive symptoms with the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Physical performance, perceived financial situation, executive functions, loneliness, self-acceptance, and having interests in one’s life were studied as explanatory variables. The data were analyzed using cross-sectional bivariate linear modeling. Results Better physical performance, not perceiving loneliness, having special interests in one’s life, and higher self-acceptance were associated with higher life satisfaction and fewer depressive symptoms. Better financial situation was related only to life satisfaction. Executive functions were not associated with either of the outcomes. Discussion The opposite ends of the same factors underlie positive and negative dimensions of mental well-being. Conclusion Further studies are warranted to better understand how people maintain life satisfaction with aging when many resources may diminish and depressive symptoms become more prevalent.

scholarly journals Well Being of Older Gay and Bisexual Men and Women in England: Results of a Cross-Sectional Population Based Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Grabovac ◽  
L Smith ◽  
D T McDermott ◽  
S Stefanac ◽  
L Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Older People ◽  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Bisexual

Abstract Background Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older people are an under-represented population in research, with limited research noting more depression, loneliness, rejection, overall poorer health and well-being outcomes. Our study compared well-being, defined as quality of life (QOL), life satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and depression, among LGB people with their heterosexual peers’. Methods Cross-sectional data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, collected 2012-2013. A total of 5691 participants were included in the analysis, with 326 (5.7%) self-identifying as LGB. We used CASP-19 questionnaire for well-being; the Satisfaction with Life Scale for life satisfaction; and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for depressive symptoms. The question “During the past three months, how satisfied have you been with your overall sex life?” was used for sexual satisfaction. T-test and chi-square tests were used for differences in sociodemographic characteristics between LGB and heterosexual participants. Regression models were used to test associations between sexual orientation and well-being outcomes. Results LGB participants reported significantly lower mean quality of life and life satisfaction, and had significantly lower odds of reporting satisfaction with their overall sex life and higher odds of reporting depressive symptoms in unadjusted models. After adjustment for sociodemographic and health-related covariates, there remained significant differences between groups in mean QOL scores (B= -0.96, 95% [CI] -1.87 to -0.06) and odds of sexual satisfaction (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.82). Conclusions LGB older people report lower quality of life and lower sexual satisfaction than their heterosexual counterparts, possibly associated with experiencing lifelong social discrimination. Main message: Older lesbian, gay and bisexual people in England report significantly lower QOL and sexual satisfaction in comparison to heterosexual counterparts.

scholarly journals Disability and Life Satisfaction Scale

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Gislene Farias de Oliveira ◽  
Thércia Lucena Grangeiro Maranhão ◽  
Hermes Melo Teixeira Batista ◽  
Symara Abrantes Albuquerque de Oliveira Cabral
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Older People ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Global Measure ◽  
Satisfaction Scale ◽  
Life Satisfaction Scale

Life Satisfaction is a significant indicator of subjective well-being. It is assessed as a single, global measure or as a reference related to important areas of life, such as family and work. Assessing life satisfaction in people with special needs and verifying how this construct correlates with demographic variables such as gender, age and schooling, for example, was the objective of this study. Data collection was performed through a questionnaire with a Life Satisfaction Scale. The sample consisted of 48 people from Juazeiro do Norte in Ceará, aged 14-71, mostly male (60.4%). The results revealed that in 70.9% of respondents believe that their life is close to ideal in most aspects and that 72.9% agree that they are satisfied with their lives as it is. 41.7% reported that the conditions of their lives are excellent. Men said they were more satisfied with life than women, as well as older people and more religious people. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the loss of certain abilities, such as walking for example, does not seem to cause great changes in the feeling of life satisfaction in the studied population. 

scholarly journals Correlates of Resilience of Older People in Times of Crisis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 723-723
Author(s):  
Isabelle Albert ◽  
Martine Hoffmann ◽  
Elke Murdock ◽  
Josepha Nell ◽  
Anna Kornadt
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Older People ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Risk And Protective Factors ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Secondary Effects ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, efforts have been made to shield older adults from exposure to the virus due to an age-related higher risk for severe health outcomes. While a reduction of in-person contacts was necessary in particular during the first months of the pandemic, concerns about the immediate and longer-term secondary effects of these measures on subjective well-being were raised. In the present study, we focused on self-reported resilience of older people in a longitudinal design to examine risk and protective factors in dealing with the restrictions. Data from independently living people aged 60+ in Luxembourg were collected via a telephone/online survey after the first lockdown in June (N = 611) and September/October 2020 (N = 523), just before the second pandemic wave made restrictions necessary again. Overall, results showed an increase in life-satisfaction from T1 to T2, although life-satisfaction was still rated slightly lower than before the crisis. Also, about a fifth of participants indicated at T2 difficulties to recover from the crisis. Participants who reported higher resilience to deal with the Covid-19 crisis at T2 showed higher self-efficacy, agreed more strongly with measures taken by the country and felt better informed about the virus. In contrast, participants who reported more difficulties in dealing with the pandemic, indicated reduced social contacts to family and friends at T2, and also felt lonelier. Results will be discussed applying a life-span developmental and systemic perspective on risk and protective factors in dealing with the secondary impacts of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Do Changes in Welfare and Health Policy Affect Life Satisfaction of Older Citizens in Europe?

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marinela Olaroiu ◽  
Ioana Dana Alexa ◽  
Wim J. A. van den Heuvel
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Well Being ◽  
European Countries ◽  
National Surveys ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
Older Citizens

Objectives. Ageing of societies causes serious political concerns on well-being of old citizens and care for the (frail) old. These concerns increased with the economic crisis of 2008. In European countries policy measures were taken to deal with the consequences of this crisis. This study explores the possible effects of these measures on life satisfaction of older citizens. Methods. Life satisfaction was assessed through international surveys in 2007 and 2013 and changes in societal conditions, using eight indicators on demography, welfare, and health, are assessed in 31 European countries in 2006 and in 2014. Data are standardised and based on official, national surveys and statistics. Results. The former found that U-shape relationship between age and life satisfaction disappeared after the crisis. Negative changes in social protection and care arrangements, taken after the economic crisis, are related to low life satisfaction in old citizens. Conclusions. Various societal conditions deteriorated in 2014 as compared to 2006. Policy measures, taken due to the 2008 economic crisis, have changed societal conditions and affected life satisfaction of older citizens negatively. In countries with a rudimentary structure of health and welfare provisions old citizens could not cope with the imposed policy measures.

scholarly journals The Impact of Living Arrangements and Intergenerational Support on the Health Status of Older People in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 796-796
Author(s):  
Yazhen Yang ◽  
Maria Evandrou ◽  
Athina Vlachantoni
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Older People ◽  
Adult Children ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Intergenerational Support ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Research to-date has examined the impact of intergenerational support in terms of isolated types of support, or at one point in time, failing to provide strong evidence of the complex effect of support on older persons’ wellbeing. Using the Harmonised China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011, 2013 and 2015), this paper investigates the impact of older people’s living arrangements and intergenerational support provision/ receipt on their physical and psychological wellbeing, focusing on rural/ urban differences. The results show that receiving economic support from one’s adult children was a stronger predictor for higher life satisfaction among older rural residents compared to those in urban areas, while grandchild care provision was an important determinant for poor life satisfaction only for older urban residents. Receiving informal care from one’s adult children was associated with a poor (I)ADL functional status and with depressive symptoms among older rural people. Meanwhile, having weekly in-person and distant contact reduced the risk of depression among older people in both rural and urban areas. The paper shows that it is important to improve the level of public economic transfers and public social care towards vulnerable older people in rural areas, and more emphasis should be placed on improving the psychological well-being of urban older residents, such as with the early diagnosis of depression.

scholarly journals The Effect of Child Quantity and Education on Parents' Well-Being in Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linh Hoang Vu ◽  
Tung Duc Phung
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Older People ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Elderly Parents ◽  
Children's Education ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Children’S Education

Background: Vietnam currently has a rapidly aging population, while formal social protection has only covered a small fraction of older people. Therefore, many older people with insufficient income or poor health must rely on their children's support.Method: This study uses the Vietnam National Aging Survey 2011 to determine whether the quality of children's education/employment and the number of children in a family impact older people's life satisfaction and health.Results: We find that the number of children has no effect on parents' life satisfaction but is adversely related to parents' health across a range of physical and mental health measures. In contrast, children's education has beneficial impacts on the well-being of elderly parents. Parents with better-educated children are more satisfied with their lives and report better health and fewer illness issues. Among other factors, income and wealth are strong and consistent predictors of older people's life satisfaction and self-perceived physical and mental health.Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the relationship between quantity and quality of children and the well-being of elderly parents. Our results show that the number of children has an adverse effect on older people's self-reported health and life satisfaction in Vietnam. Meanwhile, parental health and life satisfaction are significantly related to children's education. The findings of this study provide several practical implications. Most importantly, investment in education for children will have long-lasting impacts on the health and well-being of elderly adults. In addition, our paper indicates that the government program for reducing fertility has contributed to the longer-term health of people.

scholarly journals How COVID-19 affected mental well-being: An 11- week trajectories of daily well-being of Koreans amidst COVID-19 by age, gender and region

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0250252
Author(s):  
Incheol Choi ◽  
Joo Hyun Kim ◽  
Namhee Kim ◽  
Eunsoo Choi ◽  
Jongan Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Older People ◽  
Early Phase ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Linear Increase ◽  
Distinctive Pattern ◽  
Life Meaning ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Later Phase

The present study examined the daily well-being of Koreans (n = 353,340) for 11 weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic (January 20 –April 7). We analyzed whether and how life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect, and life meaning changed during the outbreak. First, we found that the well-being of Koreans changed daily in a cubic fashion, such that it declined and recovered during the early phase but declined substantially during the later phase (after COVID- 19 was declared world pandemic by WHO). Second, unlike other emotions, boredom displayed a distinctive pattern of linear increase, especially for younger people, suggesting that boredom might be, in part, responsible for their inability to comply with social distancing recommendations. Third, the well-being of older people and males changed less compared to younger people and females. Finally, daily well-being dropped significantly more in the hard-hit regions than in other regions. Implications and limitations are discussed.

Subjective well-being amongst community-dwelling elders: what determines satisfaction with life? Findings from the Dublin Healthy Aging Study

2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 316-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aine M. Ní Mhaoláin ◽  
Damien Gallagher ◽  
Henry O Connell ◽  
A. V. Chin ◽  
Irene Bruce ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Older People ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Older Individuals

ABSTRACTBackground: Life satisfaction is a subjective expression of well-being and successful aging. Subjective well-being is a major determinant of health outcomes in older people. The aim of this study was to determine which factors predicted well-being in older people living in the community as measured by their satisfaction with life.Methods: The relationship between life satisfaction, as measured by the Life Satisfaction Index (LSI-A) and physical, cognitive and demographic variables was examined in 466 older people living in the community using a stepwise regression modelResults: Depression, loneliness, neuroticism, extraversion, recent participation in physical activity, age and self-reported exhaustion, were the independent predictors of life satisfaction in our elderly cohort.Conclusion: Subjective well-being, as measured by the Life Satisfaction Scale, is predicted by depression, loneliness, personality traits, recent participation in physical activity and self-reported exhaustion. The mental and emotional status of older individuals, as well as their engagement in physical activity, are as important as physical functionality when it comes to life satisfaction as a measure of well-being and successful aging. These areas represent key targets for intervention.

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