Effects of Social Support with Adult Children and Neighbors on the Life Satisfaction of Elderly Individuals in Rural Areas: The Living Arrangement

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between social support with adult children and neighbors on the life satisfaction of elderly individuals in rural areas. The analysis employed a sample of 764 elderly individuals residing in rural area. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, a chi-square test, a t-test, and a multiple regression analysis. First, the respondents reported moderate life satisfaction. Those respondents living alone were less likely to report life satisfaction than those with a spouse. Second, the respondents were more likely to be in contact with their neighbors than their adult children. Third, the respondents were more likely to receive social support from adult children than provide it to them. By contrast, the respondents were more likely to provide social support to neighbors than receive it from them. Fourth, economic status and contact with adult children and neighbors had signigicant effects on the life satisfaction of the respondents. Gender, religion, economic status, health status, increased contact with adult children, and instrumental support to neighbors had positive effects on the life satisfaction of elderly two-person household.