The links between health-related behaviors and life satisfaction in elderly individuals who prefer institutional living

Abstract

Background: Life satisfaction among residents of institutions is becoming an important issue in a rapidly aging population. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the links between life satisfaction and health-related behaviors amongst functionally independent elderly people who prefer institutional living in İstanbul, Turkey. Methods:The socio-demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, leisure-time activities and fall histories of 133 residents of an institution in Istanbul were assessed by a structured questionnaire during face-to-face interviews. A validated life-satisfaction index questionnaire (LSI-A) was completed. Results:The mean age of the study group was 73.9 ± 8.0 (range 60-90 years). Within the group, 22.6% had never married and 14.3% had university degrees. The majority (71.4%) were in the low income bracket. The overall mean LSI-A score was 20.3 ± 5.9. Participants who declared moderate/ high income levels had a significantly higher mean LSI-A score than those in the low-income bracket (p = 0.009). Multivariate analysis of the data suggested that leisure-time activities and participation in regular physical activities are significant predictors of LSI-A scores (R 2 : 0.112; p = 0.005 and p = 0.02, respectively). Conclusion:The findings imply that regular physical activity and leisure-time activities are significantly related to life satisfaction among residents in institutions. Participation in physical activity and leisure-time activity programs may help to improve the life satisfaction of elderly people living in institutions.

Life satisfaction in a sample of empty-nest elderly: a survey in the rural area of a mountainous county in China

“…Financial problems may lead to restrictions in a person's ability to live an independent life and to fulfill the needs or wishes to socialize. Economic status as a predictor of life satisfaction has previously been emphasized by Inal et al [7] and Lipovcan et al [8]. These findings are consistent with ours in that the empty-nest elderly had lower income compared to the not-empty-nest ones; therefore, their low income was a predictor of low life satisfaction.…”

“…Elderly people with low income had a significantly lower life satisfaction than those with moderate/high income [7]. People with higher income felt happier and more satisfied with their life as a whole [8].…”

Effects of physical exercise programme on happiness among older people

“…In line with this tenet, research has shown that the more that older adults engage in social, physical and cognitive activities, the happier they are (Inal et al . ). The health benefits of physical activity for older adults are well documented in terms of reduced mortality (Chakravarty et al .…”

“…People living with limitations to physical activity might have fewer opportunities to be satisfied with life or experience happiness, which can have a negative effect on their overall quality of life (QOL) (Newall et al 2013). In line with this tenet, research has shown that the more that older adults engage in social, physical and cognitive activities, the happier they are (Inal et al 2007). The health benefits of physical activity for older adults are well documented in terms of reduced mortality (Chakravarty et al 2008), better functional, physical and more positive affect (Netz et al 2007), and less cognitive decline (Klusmann et al 2010).…”

Urban and rural factors associated with life satisfaction among older Chinese adults

“…Access to medical services has been consistently related to life satisfaction among older adults in China (Zhang & Liu, 2007). In addition, some studies indicated that regular activities including physical and leisure activities are significantly related to life satisfaction among older adults, whereas not participating in activities is associated with life dissatisfaction (Helvik, Engedal, Krokstad, & Selbaek, 2011;Inal, Subasi, Ay, & Hayran, 2007).…”