RT Journal Article
T1 Rural-urban differences in older adults’ life satisfaction and its determining factors
A1 Rey Beiro, Sara
A1 Martínez Roget, Fidel
K1 Older adults
K1 Lonelines
K1 Self-esteem
K1 Life satisfaction
K1 Rural
K1 Urban
AB Although determinants of life satisfaction in older adults have been well documented, research has to date failed to fully address the experience of older adults living in places with different levels of urbanization. Furthermore, there are conflictive findings regarding the type of residence environment that offers the greatest benefits for the wellbeing of older adults. Our study proposes an integrative research model to determine the nature of the relationships between loneliness, self-esteem and life satisfaction, with a particular focus on the living environment (rural-urban) of the older adults. Using a cross-sectional survey design volunteers (aged 60+) from rural (n = 198) and urban (n = 198) in Galicia (Spain) completed a questionnaire. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the relationships between loneliness, self-esteem and life satisfaction and multigroup analysis was performed to analyse the existence of differences in the relationships based on the area of residence of older adults. We found that higher levels of loneliness were a significant predictor of reduced life satisfaction and reduced self-esteem. Self-esteem not only increases life satisfaction, but also reduces the negative impact loneliness may have on it. Where the older adults lived had a significant effect on the relationships between loneliness, self-esteem and life satisfaction. The relationships were stronger for older adults living in urban areas. Differentiated policy initiatives should be considered, depending on the area of residence in order to increase the life satisfaction of older adults.
PB Elsevier
YR 2024
FD 2024
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10347/33888
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10347/33888
LA eng
NO Heliyon Volume 10, Issue 9, 15 May 2024, e30842
DS Minerva
RD 28 abr 2026