Predictors of life satisfaction: perceptions of older community-dwelling adults

The purpose of this study was to investigate variables that predict life satisfaction in elderly individuals. A convenience sample of 70 older community-dwelling adults participated in the study. Instruments used included the Life Satisfaction Index A Scale, three subscales from the Self-Evaluation of Life Function Scale, the Perceived Control Scale, Hollingshead's Two Factor Index of Social Position, and the Self-Rated Health Subscale of the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Multilevel Assessment Instrument. When the influence of health and social position was held constant, social interaction was the only additional significant predictor of life satisfaction. When health and social position were not held constant, social interaction, perceived control, and social position were significant predictors of life satisfaction. The findings indicate that nursing practice, education, and research should focus on assessment and interventions relative to promoting and maintaining health, perceived control, and social interaction among elderly individuals living in the community.