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Abstract
Objective. To determine (a) the relationship between life satisfaction, anxiety, depression and ageing in the male community and (b) to identify the impact of vulnerability factors, personal and social resources on life satisfaction and distress.
Design. A stratified random sample of the German male population (N = 2144) was investigated by standardized questionnaires of life satisfaction (FLZM), depression, anxiety (PHQ), resilience (RS-11) and self-esteem (RSS).
Results. No age-related change was found regarding overall life satisfaction. Satisfaction with health decreased in midlife (51–60 years), while the importance of health increased. Importance of and satisfaction with partnership and sexuality were only reduced in the oldest group (70+). Anxiety was highest around midlife (51–60 years), accompanied by reduced resilience and self-esteem. No clear age-related change was found regarding depression. Life satisfaction was strongly associated with resilience, lack of unemployment, the presence of a partnership, positive self-esteem, a good household income, the absence of anxiety and depression and living in the Eastern states.
Conclusions. Personal and social resources and the absence of anxiety and depression are of crucial importance for the maintenance of life satisfaction in ageing men. There is also evidence for a crisis around midlife manifested by health concerns, anxiety and reduced resilience.
Declaration of interest: There are no conflicts of interest.