Family and Community Factors Associated with Life Satisfaction of the Urban Community-dwelling Elderly Across Age Groups: Focusing on the Importance of Social Capital

PurposeThe aim of this study was to identify differences and influencing factors in the level of life satisfaction among the urban community-dwelling elderly by age group. Methods The study was conducted utilizing the secondary data of 2017 Seoul Survey in a cross-sectional design. Of 42,688 participants in total, the data of 7,927 adults aged 65 or older were analyzed. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression. Results There were significant differences between age groups, and it was found that the old elderly groups had significantly higher life satisfaction than the oldest elderly group (t=8.37, p<.011). In common, family and community factors influencing life satisfaction in the two age groups were companion animals (old elderly: β=.03, p=.002; oldest elderly: β=.06, p=.021), social network (old elderly: β=.10, p<.001; oldest elderly: β=.08, p=.008), and social support (old elderly: β=.05, p<.001; oldest elderly: β=.08, p=.005). Conclusion Based on these results, social welfare and nursing care services focusing on social capital and age group-specific interventions are needed to improve life satisfaction of the elderly. This study might provide the possibility and evidence for a program to improve life satisfaction for the urban community-dwelling elderly, including social capital elements.