Predictors of life satisfaction amongst retired people in Paris

Abstract

Background. The objective of the present study was to examine predictors of life satisfaction in a survey of retired men and women living in the Paris metropolitan area. Methods. In all 627 subjects took part in the first phase of the survey (1982-1983, T1), and 464 in the follow up phase (1987-1988, T2) during which life satisfaction was evaluated, using the Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA). Possible predictors were explored among the factors characterizing subjects at T1 and among those related to their occupational history. Results. In the multivariate analyses, significant relationships were found between life satisfaction and the number of physical impairments and leisure activities, marital and mental health status and family relations. Taking into account the changes in these factors between the two phases of the survey increased the predictiveness of the regression models. Conclusions. These results confirm the links between life satisfaction and the factors generally recognized as its determinants. On the other hand, no effect of past occupational characteristics on life satisfaction long after retirement was shown.