Effects of perceived health status, leisure satisfaction and loneliness on life satisfaction for elderly people

Lee, Kyu Eun; Yom, Young Hee; Han, Jung Hee

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was done to identify the relationship of perceived health status, leisure satisfaction, loneliness and life satisfaction and to identify predictors of life satisfaction for elders. METHOD: The research design for this study was a descriptive survey design using a convenience sample. Data collection was done using self-report questionnaires with 297 elders from 6 community health practitioner posts. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, t-test, Pearson correlation coefficients and hierarchical multiple regression with the SPSS Win 18.0 Program.
RESULTS
Life satisfaction had significant negative correlations with age (r=-.31, p<.001) and loneliness (r=-.73, p<.001), and positive correlations with monthly spending money (r=.44, p<.001), health status (r=.63, p<.001), and leisure satisfaction (r=.62, p<.001). The explained variance for life satisfaction was 72%. Variables of monthly spending money, health status, leisure satisfaction, and loneliness significantly predicted the degree on life satisfaction of these elders.
CONCLUSION
Findings of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of life satisfaction and related factors for elders in Korea. However, further studies with a larger random sample and more detailed research design are necessary.