Exploring predictors of life satisfaction and happiness among Siberian older adults living in Tomsk Region

Abstract

Despite the growing interest in studying factors affecting subjective well-being of older adults, little research has been conducted on vast territory of Siberia (Russia) with large population. To address this lack of evidence, we explored the relationship between subjective well-being and social aspects (social and emotional support, social network, and social activities), living conditions (standards of living and residence area), self-reported health, and demographic characteristics in older adults living in Tomsk Region, Siberia. Subjective well-being was measured by life satisfaction and happiness (each measured with one 11-point question). Sample included 489 community-dwelling respondents, aged 65 or older. We found that mean life satisfaction and happiness reported by our respondents were lower than those of European countries. Higher quality of social interaction, better standards of living, and being satisfied with own health were associated with higher life satisfaction and happiness. This study provides original data on a region barely investigated and suggests that Siberian older adults receive strong benefits from social support and from social network and that similar factors are related to subjective well-being both in Siberian and Eastern European older adults. Future studies should further explore the relationship between different kinds of social support (e.g., psychological vs. material support) and subjective well-being in different Siberian ethnic groups or regions.

Effects of a Physically Active Lifestyle Modification (PALM) Program for Independent Taiwanese Older Adults

“…This phenomenon may also explain the reason why their social functioning and vitality domain improved and also echo the findings that participating in physical activities, leisure, social interaction, and helping others may fulfill positive emotions. [56][57][58][59] In line with previous studies, 35,36,40 the current study found that there were no significant improvements in the domains of bodily pain and role limitations due to emotional problems. This might be attributed that the PALM program was not designed for decreasing pain, instead emphasizing adapting or modifying the way of executing meaningful occupational activities to maintain the level of physical activity.…”

“…In addition, the participants mentioned that they engaged in outdoor activities together and utilized the resources introduced in the program. This phenomenon may also explain the reason why their social functioning and vitality domain improved and also echo the findings that participating in physical activities, leisure, social interaction, and helping others may fulfill positive emotions 56–59…”

Sociodemographic predictors of flourishing among older adults in rural and urban Mongolia

“…Self-rated health is a strong predictor of subjective well-being for older adults 1 , and it was significantly associated with flourishing in rural and urban areas. Similar findings have been reported in Malaysia 33 , Thailand 40 , and Russia 42 . Satisfaction with health falls rapidly with age in the populations of post-Soviet countries, including Mongolia, in part because of poor quality health care 43 .…”

“…At the same time, as in previous studies, personal and family-related factors were unrelated to flourishing in our urban subsample. Family relationships were essential to older adults’ well-being in Thailand 40 , networks with intimate people were necessary to older adults’ survival in Siberia 42 , the absence of children’s support created problems for older Koreans 57 , and a number of children were a strong predictor of well-being for older adults in Japan 50 . In Mongolia, family relationships are central, and the aforementioned rural-to-urban migration of younger generations highlights the adverse effects on older adults in rural areas 6 .…”

Does the psychological variables predict life satisfaction and purpose in life in brazilian elderly?

“…Literature concerning life satisfaction predictors have addressed social aspects (e.g. social relationships and social support) 18,[23][24][25][26][27][28][29] , personality traits and physical activity 16 , leisure physical activities 13 , self-rated measurements of health 23,24,27,30,31 and psychological well-being 32 .…”