Stressful events and life satisfaction among elderly men and women
Article Abstract:
Life satisfaction is generally measured in one of two ways. Global measures assess overall life satisfaction and are based on the so-called top-down theory of life satisfaction. The theory focuses on a person's ongoing sense of satisfaction as a whole. The domain-specific, bottom-up theory, which holds that overall satisfaction is a product of satisfaction in specific domains, or areas of life, is based on the assumption that we compartmentalize our feelings and assessments of life, and each compartment contributes to overall life satisfaction. The relationship between these measures has not been a focus of research. Data for the present study were obtained from a nationwide Quality of Life Survey with 3,692 persons. Of those aged 60 years and older, the specific target population for this study, there were 805 subjects. Sixty-two percent of the sample were women, and average age was 69.2 years. Subjects were asked to answer a series of questions designed to assess illness, financial loss, satisfaction with health, satisfaction with finances, and demographics. Support was found for the bottom-up theory. For example, older adults who had recently experienced some sort of financial loss tended to be less satisfied with the financial aspects of their lives than those who had not experienced financial loss, and there was a significant effect of financial loss on global life satisfaction. As predicted by the bottom-up theory, financial stress did not contribute specifically to degree of satisfaction with health. One unexpected, and incongruous, result was that recent serious illness did not seriously affect global life satisfaction. In general, the data supported the bottom-up, domain-specific construct of life satisfaction, and highlighted the importance of considering stressors encountered within specific life domains as affecting global life satisfaction. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1991
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Role reversals in the exchange of social support
Article Abstract:
Many researchers assume that as we get past middle age, we become more inclined to receive support than to give it. This a role reversal from the earlier years when we give more than we receive. This assumption is fairly prevalent, but in reality there are few studies to substantiate it. The present study was designed to investigate the assumption that there is a role reversal in the exchange of social support as we age, and if so, at what average age this begins to happen. Data were drawn from a larger longitudinal study and included statistics for 513 subjects, whose mean age was 67.1 years; the age range of the subjects was 37 to 103 years. Supports given and received for each member of a subject's network were counted. The results challenge the assumption of an age-based role reversal in support exchanges. There was a decline in reports of support-sending with increasing age, but also a decline in reports of support-receiving. The size of a support network was seen as more important that its resources, and there was a difference between kin and nonkin support exchange, such that reversal was more likely in kin relationships than in nonkin relationships. After accounting for assistance with income and activities of daily living for those who needed it, the age at which role reversal occurred became greater. Overall, greater support was given than received until at least age 85. It is pointed out that the data are drawn from a community sample - a nationwide sample might provide different results - and that the data are subjective because they are based on self-reports. Also, because only the number of supports was asked for, the amounts of each support were not considered. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1991
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Perceived health problems, formal/informal support, and life satisfaction among older adults
Article Abstract:
Social support systems have been thought to buffer, or reduce, the deleterious effects of perceived health problems on the well-being of older adults. Studies to date have been inconclusive, and this may be related to their focusing primarily on the effects of informal support, as provided by family and friends. The influence of formal support systems on the well-being of the elderly was evaluated by interviewing 1,136 people over the age of 65. The average age of the participants was 73 years, 35 percent of respondents were male, and 35 percent were married. Rather than using global measurements of stress and social support, this study employed more specific measurements of health problems and related social behaviors. Physical health was assessed as subjective health status, chronic illness, and functional disability. The results indicate that only formal support, but not informal assistance, bolsters well-being in older adults. However, the data also reveal that elders are more likely to turn to informal supports when health problems arise. Only very limited factors were considered, and the author suggests that other areas require further research, such as the relationship between health limitations and well-being; the relationship of other stresses (for example, financial problems) to formal and informal support; and the demands imposed by new, rather than chronic, physical difficulties. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1990
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