Life Satisfaction among the Elderly in Taiwan: A Comparison across Cohort and Gender

• Main Authors: Li-Yu Chen, 陳麗羽
• Other Authors: Ho-Jui Tung
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2015
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/90894498647705354087

碩士 === 亞洲大學 === 健康產業管理學系長期照護組 === 103 === Abstract Objective Population aging is a global phenomenon and Taiwan’s population is aging rapidly. With the extension of life expectancy and transition of disease patterns, gerontological studies, in addition to physical health, has increasingly emphasized the importance of psychological well-being and the quality of life of the elderly. In this study we focus on an important indicator of quality of life in old age, life satisfaction, and examine the differences in life satisfaction across different cohorts of Taiwanese elders and different dimensions of the concept. Research methods Data of this study were taken from the Taiwanese Longitudinal Survey on Aging (TLSA), whch follows a national representative sample of older people since 1989. In this study, data from the 1996, 1999, 2003, and 2007 follow-ups were used. After linking the cases through the 4 waves, a total of 2,255 respondents were available for analysis. Life satisfaction was measured by using a short form of the Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA). Descriptive statistics were calculated for different cohorts and separated by gender. Result Our results showed that the average life satisfaction score were quite stable over the 12-years. For the 50-54-years-old cohort in 1996, life satisfaction had increased slightly over the 12 years, while the other five cohort’s average life satisfaction scores were all declining slightlyover the same period of time. In terms of the gender differences in life satisfaction, we found that the difference lies in both the “Congruence” and “Zest” dimensions of the concept. Cnclusion As older Taiwanese age, they seemed to maintain a certain level of life satisfaction. We found that the elders aged 65-69 in 1996 experienced a larger decline in their average life satisfaction scores. A possible reason that a larger decline in life satisfaction for this cohort was observed may due to the fact that they were at the transition from work to retirement over the study period. We also found significant gender differences in two dimensions of the measurement of life satisfaction. It seems that it is easier for older men to accomplish and achieve the desired goals in life, which translates into a more active participation and positive feelings about their later lives.