Family, close relatives, friends: Life satisfaction among older people

ŞENER A., ÖZTOP H., DOĞAN N., GÜVEN S.

EDUCATIONAL GERONTOLOGY, vol.34, no.10, pp.890-906, 2008 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 34 Issue: 10
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/03601270802129193
  • Journal Name: EDUCATIONAL GERONTOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.890-906
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study examined the influence of socioeconomic (age, education, marital status, income, and health) and demographic variables and the quantity and quality of relationships with adult children, grandchildren, siblings and friends on life satisfaction of the elderly. Participants were 200 persons older than 60 years of age. Hierarchical regression analysis was used for data analysis. The three sets of regression models were run for each gender. Regression equations involved three sets of independent variables: socioeconomic, demographic, and relational (i.e., frequency, satisfaction) variables. When the three models were examined together, health and education made the highest contribution to females' life satisfaction. Health had a similar effect on the life satisfaction of males.