The Effects of Multidimensional Poverty on Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults in Hong Kong

Abstract

Poverty indicators such as income-based poverty, material deprivation, asset-based poverty, and expenditure-based poverty each carries an aspect of economic deprivation. This current study examined and compared the unique effects of each poverty dimension on life satisfaction during old age. We measured four poverty indicators—life satisfaction, social resources, physical health, and mental well-being—in a three-wave sample of older Hong Kong adults ( N = 563). Panel data were fitted to a structural model that involved the constraints of the path coefficients (e.g., effects of poverty indicators on life satisfaction). The model results indicate that while material deprivation and asset-based poverty reduce life satisfaction, income-based poverty and expenditure-based poverty do not significantly shape life satisfaction. Based on these findings, we suggest implementing future-oriented interventions into policy agendas to promote current working adults’ financial preparation for retirement to reduce their risk of falling into asset-based poverty and thus material deprivation after retirement.

Life Satisfaction and Dental Visits in Adults Aged ≥50 Years and Living with Diabetes Mellitus: A Comparison between Urban and Rural Mexican

“…Notable among the factors significantly influencing the differences between rural and urban environments are economic, social, and psychological factors, as well as the life conditions related to social class, access to healthcare services, and the presence of chronic diseases, all of which can impact life satisfaction [ 23 , 24 ]. For example, in a population of older adults in Hong Kong, poverty was found to reduce life satisfaction [ 25 ]. In contrast, having a high educational level and being in paid employment increased life satisfaction in older adults [ 26 ].…”

Happiness and mental health of older adults: multiple mediation analysis

“…The older adults are faced with double vulnerabilities of economy and health, easy to fall into the trap of “poverty and illness” ( Xia and Liu, 2018 ). Research on income and health ( Zhang et al, 2023 ), as well as their effects on mental health ( Zhu and Chou, 2022 ), is essential in the context of population aging. Additionally, urban and rural factors, gender factors, and education level can affect the mental health of older adults ( Hu and Huang, 2019 ).…”