Life satisfaction and its associated factors among young and older adults in the United Kingdom (UK)

Objectives

This study investigated (1) whether there are differences in life satisfaction levels between young adults (YA) and older adults (OA), and (2) which factors are associated with life satisfaction in these groups.

Method

279 United Kingdom (UK) participants were included (166 YA aged 19–25 years and 113 OA aged 60–94 years). Participants completed an online questionnaire examining life satisfaction and its associated factors: health status, purpose in life, social support, environment, financial well-being, and religiosity. T-tests, correlational, and regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Life satisfaction was significantly higher in OA than YA. The regression analyses revealed that purpose in life and mental health were the only variables which were significantly associated with life satisfaction in both YA and OA. In YA, social support and health perception were also significantly associated with life satisfaction, whilst for OA it was improved role functioning.

Conclusion

Techniques to increase purpose in life and improve mental health should be incorporated into life satisfaction interventions for both age groups, but addressing the distinct needs of different age groups may help to improve interventions for life satisfaction.