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01-04-2022

Are all domains of life satisfaction equal? Differential associations with health and well-being in older adults

Published in: Quality of Life Research | Issue 4/2022

Abstract

Purpose

Growing evidence documents strong associations between overall life satisfaction and favorable health and well-being outcomes. However, because most previous studies have assessed satisfaction with one’s life as a whole, we know little about whether specific domains of life satisfaction (e.g., satisfaction with family life, income) might be responsible for longitudinally driving better health and well-being.

Methods

Data were from 13,752 participants in the Health and Retirement Study—a prospective and nationally representative cohort of US adults aged > 50. We evaluated if positive changes in seven individual domains of life satisfaction (between t₀; 2008/2010 and t₁; 2012/2014) were associated with 35 indicators of physical, behavioral, and psychosocial health and well-being (at t₂; 2016/2018).

Results

Most domains of life satisfaction were associated with psychological outcomes: satisfaction with family and non-work activities showed the largest associations (sometimes double in magnitude) with subsequent psychological factors, followed by satisfaction with financial situation and income. Further, some domains showed associations with specific physical health outcomes (e.g., mortality, number of chronic conditions, physical functioning limitations), health behaviors (e.g., sleep problems), and social factors (e.g., loneliness).

Conclusions

As countries seek innovative and cost-effective methods of enhancing the health and well-being of our rapidly aging populations, findings from our study suggest that some domains of life satisfaction have a substantially larger influence on health and well-being outcomes than others. Individual domains of life satisfaction might be novel targets for interventions and policies seeking to enhance specific facets of health and well-being.

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Title: Are all domains of life satisfaction equal? Differential associations with health and well-being in older adults
Publication date: 01-04-2022
Published in: Quality of Life Research / Issue 4/2022
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-021-02977-0

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Are all domains of life satisfaction equal? Differential associations with health and well-being in older adults

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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