Social Interaction and Life Satisfaction among Older Adults by Age Group

Abstract

This study examined the effect of social interaction on life satisfaction in older adults. A total of 8188 participants were selected according to the inclusion criteria. SPSS Windows software (version 23.0) was used for statistical analyses. Data were analyzed using the independent samples t-test, chi-squared test, and multiple regression analysis with weights based on two age groups: 65–74 and ≥75 years. The results showed that social interaction factors influenced the life satisfaction of older adults. In the 65–74 age group, factors that statistically significantly increased life satisfaction were meeting children (β = 0.17, p < 0.001) and volunteer activities (β = 0.04, p = 0.007). In the ≥75 age group, factors that significantly increased life satisfaction were talking with friends (β = 0.11, p = 0.002), talking with children (β = 0.07, p = 0.013), using senior citizen community centers (β = 0.08, p = 0.001), and hobby club activities (β = 0.07, p = 0.001). In order to increase the life satisfaction of older adults, different ways to support social interactions need to be explored.