Life satisfaction analysis between occupational balance (OB) group and occupational imbalance (OI) group

Occupation and time-use can never be separated because they are important criteria in determining one's lifestyle, improvements of one's lifestyle, and even the quality of life. The purpose of this study was to identify whether there is a difference in time-use between the occupational balance (OB) group and occupational imbalance (OI) group and to determine the factors that influence the life satisfaction of those in the OB group.

This study sorted detailed activities of 9,228 participants who were over 65 years of age. Raw data of 2014 Korean Time Use Survey (KTUS) were used and the amount of time-use of older adults was classified into eight activity areas. This study classified the amount of time used by older adults for eight occupational areas, namely, activities of daily life (ADLs), instrumental ADL (IADLs), rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. We identified areas of specific time differences between OB and OI groups, and confirmed variables affecting life satisfaction.

The analysis of time-use corresponding to the eight occupational areas showed the greatest time-use for the instrumental activities of daily living, which averaged 1513.59 minutes (56.34%). The largest effect size was social participation (d = 1.38). As a result of analyzing the factors related to the life satisfaction of the OB group, we found that those who were younger (B = 0.02, p < .001), females (B = -0.12, p < .05), had a higher level of education (B = 0.65, p < .001), had a lower need for care (B = -1.19, p < .05), had a higher income (B = -0.43, p < .001), and rural residence (B = 0.29, p < .001) tended to have a higher life satisfaction.

This study may provide a basis for developing time-use management and lifestyle redesign programs.