Life satisfaction in late adult span: the contribution of family relationships, health self-perception and physical activity

Background Life satisfaction is a crucial facet of subjective well-being, being impacted by different factors, such as cognitive and physical health, and social functioning. Aims This study intended to investigate the impact of satisfaction with family ties, education, negative mood and health self-perception on life satisfaction in late adulthood. Methods One hundred fifteen cognitively intact 75-101-year-old participants competed a battery of tools assessing cognitive efficiency and self-referent measures of life satisfaction, perceived physical health, negative mood and satisfaction with family relations. Results A series of step-wise regression analyses showed that satisfaction with family ties with and without perceived physical health predicted different indexes of life satisfaction. Moreover, more physically active participants reported fewer depressive symptoms and better life satisfaction with their time occupied in leisure activities than more sedentary respondents. Conclusion Perceived emotional connection with family members and a physically active lifestyle represent the most significant protective factors to boost self-reported life satisfaction in late adulthood.

Automated summary

This study found that life satisfaction in late adulthood is influenced by factors such as satisfaction with family ties, perceived physical health, negative mood, and education. Perceived emotional connection with family members and a physically active lifestyle are the most significant protective factors in boosting life satisfaction in late adulthood.