Validation of the satisfaction with life scale for Korean older adults using item response theory

As Korea is rapidly becoming an aging society, people are increasingly interested in the life satisfaction of the older adults. Therefore, the need for a tool that can precisely measure the life satisfaction of the older adults in Korea is also increasing. In this study, SWLS, which has been widely used to measure life satisfaction, was applied to Korean older adults. This study analyzed the life satisfaction of the older adults using item response theory that can supplement the limitations of existing research methods. Data from 3543 older adults who responded to the 2021 Korean Happiness Survey. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the goodness of fit of item 5 exceeded the standard value, and item 4 functioned differentially between the young-old and old-old. Based on the results of this study, it presented an empirical basis for the application of SWLS to the older adults.