Life satisfaction in older people

Abstract

Objective: Factors influencing life satisfaction were studied in a cohort study.Methods: Life satisfaction was measured using the Philadelphia Geriatric Center (PGC) morale scale. Two thousand one hundred and fifty-one older people, approximately 99% of all older people (2165 subjects) in a rural town, Tashiro, Akita prefecture responded to the questionnaire and, after eliminating 455 for incomplete answers, 1710 subjects (79% of all older people) were entered into the present study. Approximately 10% were self-care dependent older people.Results: Female self-care independent older people showed lower morale scores than men. Morale scores in self-care independent older people decreased with age in both women and men. Morale scores of self-care independent men were higher when they were healthy, had an occupation and took part in social activities in the community; morale scores of self-care independent women were higher when they were healthy and had hobbies. Family composition, self-care dependency, income and habits for health promotion were also factors of morale scores, while education was not.Conclusions: Healthy older persons with some gender specific lifestyles had the higher morale scores. With advanced age, lifestyles do not determine the morale scores.

Determination of older people’s level of loneliness

“…In terms of older people’ distribution of daily life instrumental activities, it has been determined that it is mainly with repair work, preparing food, house work, spending money and shopping that older people are dependent on others. Kudo et al. (2007) found that one hundred and eight‐one subjects (approximately 10% of all older people in their study) were dependent for their care.…”

Validity and reliability of the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale among Turkish elderly people

“…The PGCMS is now widely used as a measure of morale, psychological well-being, and QOL in elderly populations in both the community [1,[4][5][6][7][8][9] and institutions [2,8,10].…”

“…The morale, life satisfaction, subjective, or psychologic well-being has been often used as equal with QOL in various studies. However, these concepts are defined in different ways, and there are large overlaps in both the descriptions and their usage [1][2][3]. Although researchers disagree on the domains that make up QOL, the general consensus is that QOL measurement should focus on the subjective experience of the individual.…”

The Relationship between Health Promoting Behaviors and Quality of Life in Nursing Home Residents in Kayseri

“…Behaviors that enhance health consist of activities that increase the well-being of the individual and enable self-development. A healthy lifestyle includes taking responsibility regarding healthy behaviors, well-balanced nutrition, adequate and regular exercise, not smoking, taking proper hygienic precautions, establishing positive relationships, and stress management [10,11]. On the other hand, in elderly people, health-promoting activities should aim to increase functionality, increase life span, and sustain a comfortable, peaceful, pain-free life [11].…”

“…The main goal in promoting health is to achieve healthy lifestyle behaviors regarding physical activity, nutrition, and personal hygiene [10]. Drewnowski and Evans [15] reported that biological and medical sciences are united in the belief that optimal nutrition and physical activity make a significant contribution to the overall quality of life for older adults.…”