Trajectory of Life Satisfaction and its Relationship with Subjective Economic Status and Successful Aging

Byline: Hui-Chuan Hsu (1) Keywords: Life satisfaction; Economic status; Hierarchical linear models; Trajectory; Successful aging Abstract: The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between subjective economic status and indicators of successful aging to life satisfaction trajectories among the elderly in Taiwan. Data were from the four waves of 'Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan'. Hierarchical linear modeling was conducted. Subjective economic status was measured by childhood economic status and time-varying economic satisfaction. Time-varying physical, mental, and social successful aging variables and demographics were also used to describe the trajectory of life satisfaction. Life satisfaction showed a slightly decreasing but generally stationary trend across time. The concurrent economic satisfaction was associated with life satisfaction trajectory, but childhood economic status was not significant. The time-varying depressive symptoms, cognitive function and social support were related to the life satisfaction trajectory. Policy on the elderly should take particular account of the economic security, mental health, and social support of the elderly. Author Affiliation: (1) Department of Health Care Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC Article History: Registration Date: 01/03/2010 Accepted Date: 01/03/2010 Online Date: 12/03/2010