Changes In Life Satisfaction

Question 1

How do older adults compare to younger adults on life satisfaction?

Answer 1

YA - higher highs and lower lows
OA more stable
Life satisfaction drastically declines after age of 70

Question 2

What are some relationships with life satisfaction?

Answer 2

General consensus - no relationship LS and age
Changes result of other influences/factors
Factors - SES, education, employment, marital status, personality, locus of control, social network, perceived health, and religion

Question 3

What are factors influencing life satisfaction for centenarians?

Answer 3

Lifestyle choices, community and environment, attitude toward life, and goal setting and attainment

Question 4

What can lead to temporary decreases in life satisfaction?

Answer 4

Unemployment, onset of disability, divorce, and being widowed
Temporary dramatic reduction followed by slow increase
Average level after some events remains slightly lower than original levels

Question 5

What explains these temporary changes in life satisfaction?

Answer 5

Socio-emotional selectivity theory
OA or people exp negative life events refocus priorities
Make goals and priorities appropriate for age and lifestyle
Goal setting and attainment are predictors of life satisfaction
Appropriate goals are more likely to be achieved and lead to maintained or improved life satisfaction