An Examination of the Life Satisfaction and Importance of Leisure in the Lives of Older Female Retirees: A Comparison of Blacks to Whites

Abstract

The purposes of the study were to compare two groups of female retirees (blacks and whites) in terms of their life satisfaction and determinants of life satisfaction. The data base for the study consisted of a stratified, random, national sample of 618 female retirees. Among the findings were: differences existed between the two groups in terms of their life satisfaction; life satisfaction was directly affected by perceived health and leisure repertoire planning (both groups) and leisure activity (whites only); and leisure activity participation was affected by leisure repertoire planning, health, and income (both groups). Implications of the findings for policy, practice, and research were discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Life satisfaction
• older women
• blacks