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Jo and Lee: Factors related to Life Satisfaction in Young-Old, Old, and Oldest-Old Women
Original Article
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing

Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2009; 39(1): 21-32.

Published online: 28 February 2009

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2009.39.1.21

Factors related to Life Satisfaction in Young-Old, Old, and Oldest-Old Women

Kae-Hwa Jo1, Hyun Ji Lee2

1Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Catholic University of Daegu, Korea.

2Assistant Professor, Department of Social Welfare, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: Jo, Kae Hwa. Department of Nursing, Catholic University of Daegu, 3056-6 Daemyeong 4-dong, Nam-gu, Daegu 705-718, Korea. Tel: 82-53-650-4825, Fax: 82-53-621-4106, jokw@cu.ac.kr

Received 20 May 2008       Accepted 13 January 2009

Copyright © 2009 Korean Society of Nursing Science

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of life satisfaction and the significant factors which impact on life satisfaction of young-old (60-69 yr), old (70-79 yr), and oldest-old (80 yr or above) women.

Methods

The participants for this study were 289 elderly Korean women living in the city of Daegu and Kyongpook province. The data were collected using structured questionnaires. ANOVA, Chi-square, and multiple regression with the SPSS program were used to analyze the data.

Results

There were statistically significant differences among young-old, old, and oldest-old women regarding the existence of spouse, income, educational status, and religions. The model including variables related to physical, psychological, financial, and social aspects of life, explained variance of life satisfaction of elderly women differently, such as 55% of young-old, 37% of old, and 66% of oldest-old. Finally, self-esteem was the only predictor in explaining the level of life satisfaction among old women regardless age.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, implications for practical services for elderly women and recommendations of further study are provided. Nursing interventions should be developed to improve life satisfaction of elderly women according to age differences.

Keywords: Elderly, Women, Life, Satisfaction

Figures and Tables

Table 1
General Characteristics of Subjects (N=289)
jkan-39-21-i001
Table 2
The Level of Life Satisfaction and related Variables according to Age Difference among Subjects (N=289)
jkan-39-21-i002

*p<.05; **p<.01; ***p<.001.

Monthly income (thousand): 1=less than 300; 2=300-490; 3=500-990; 4=1,000-1,490; 5=1,500-1,990; 6=2,000-2,490; 7=more than 2,500.

Education: 1=none; 2=elementary school; 3=middle school; 4=high school; 5=college; 6=graduate school.

Perceived e.c.=perceived economic condition.

Table 3
Correlation among Predictable Variables of Subjects according to Age Difference among Subjects
jkan-39-21-i003

*p<.05; **p<.01; ***p<.001.

Perceived e.c.=perceived economic condition.

Table 4
Comparison of Variables affecting Life Satisfaction of Subjects according to Age Difference (N=289)
jkan-39-21-i004

*p<.05; **p<.01;***p<.001.

Perceived e.c.=perceived economic condition; Dummy variables: Spouse (0=no, 1=yes), Education (0=none, 1=elementary, middle, high school, college, and graduate school), Monthly income (0=under 990,000won, 1=over 1,000,000 won).

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