Health, functional ability and life satisfaction among older people 65 years and over: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Satisfaction with life is a complex interplay of older people’s perspectives on life achievements. Satisfaction with life, alongside health and functional ability contribute to successful ageing.

Aim: To explore the impact of increasing age on older people’s perceptions of their health, functional ability and life satisfaction.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of non-institutionalised older people (65+) was conducted (n = 542). The Short Form-12 Health Survey measured perceived physical and mental health, the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale measured functional ability and the Satisfaction With Life Scale measured life satisfaction.

Results: Significant group differences were found; while participants’ perceptions of health and function decreased with age, perceptions of life satisfaction increased. Unexpectedly, the youngest groups reported low levels of life satisfaction while the oldest reported very high levels.

Conclusions: Further study should consider factors that might influence the perception of health, functional ability and particularly life satisfaction across older age groups.

Keywords:

• physical health
• mental health
• functional ability
• life satisfaction
• older adults
• gerontological nursing