A1 Journal article (refereed)
Do opposite ends of same factors underlie life satisfaction vs. depressive symptoms among older people? (2021)
Pynnönen, K., Kokko, K., Saajanaho, M., Törmäkangas, T., Portegijs, E., & Rantanen, T. (2021). Do opposite ends of same factors underlie life satisfaction vs. depressive symptoms among older people?. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 33(9), 2557-2564. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-020-01765-z
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Pynnönen, Katja; Kokko, Katja; Saajanaho, Milla; Törmäkangas, Timo; Portegijs, Erja; Rantanen, Taina
Journal or series: Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
ISSN: 1594-0667
eISSN: 1720-8319
Publication year: 2021
Publication date: 27/01/2021
Volume: 33
Issue number: 9
Pages range: 2557-2564
Publisher: Springer
Publication country: Germany
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-020-01765-z
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/73925
Abstract
Although depressive symptoms are more common among older than younger age groups, life satisfaction tends to remain stable over the life course, possibly because the underlying factors or processes differ.
Aim
To study whether the factors that increase the likelihood of high life satisfaction also decrease the likelihood of depressive symptoms among older people.
Methods
The data were a population-based probability sample drawn from community-dwelling people aged 75, 80, and 85 years (n = 1021). Participants’ life satisfaction was measured with the Satisfaction with Life Scale and depressive symptoms with the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Physical performance, perceived financial situation, executive functions, loneliness, self-acceptance, and having interests in one’s life were studied as explanatory variables. The data were analyzed using cross-sectional bivariate linear modeling.
Results
Better physical performance, not perceiving loneliness, having special interests in one’s life, and higher self-acceptance were associated with higher life satisfaction and fewer depressive symptoms. Better financial situation was related only to life satisfaction. Executive functions were not associated with either of the outcomes.
Discussion
The opposite ends of the same factors underlie positive and negative dimensions of mental well-being.
Conclusion
Further studies are warranted to better understand how people maintain life satisfaction with aging when many resources may diminish and depressive symptoms become more prevalent.
Keywords: older people; well-being; mental well-being; contentment; depression (mental disorders)
Free keywords: mental well-being; emotional well-being; life resources; aged people
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Active ageing - resilience and external support as modifiers of the disablement outcome
- Rantanen, Taina
- European Commission
- Are older people becoming younger?
Cohort differences in perceived age and functional capacity among 75- and 80-year-old people assessed 28 years apart (The Evergreen 2)- Rantanen, Taina
- Research Council of Finland
- Developmental Psychological Perspectives on Transitions at Age 60: Individuals Navigating Across the Lifespan
- Kokko, Katja
- Research Council of Finland
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2021
JUFO rating: 1
