Connection between Lifestyle and Life Satisfaction of Older Adults in Relation to the Living Environment

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Physical activity, healthy diet and avoiding risk factors are essential for a healthy lifestyle of older adults and for their life satisfaction. AIM: The aim of the research was to determine the connection between lifestyle and life satisfaction of older adults in relation to the living environment (home environment, institutional environment). METHODS: The research was based on a non-experimental quantitative research approach. We used the Oldwellactive standardised questionnaire to obtain lifestyle data and the SWLS scale to determine life satisfaction. The study included 656 older adults with an average age of 78.2 years who lived in a domestic (n = 380) and institutional environment (276). RESULTS: Older adults living in the home environment rate their lifestyle higher (AV = 2.38, SD = 0.77) than those in the institutional environment (AV = 2.31, SD = 0.88), the difference is not statistically significant p = 0.304). Eating habits with regard to the location of residence showed statistically significant differences in the consumption of meat, fish and fish products and milk and dairy products (p <0.001). In the institutional environment, older adults are more likely to perform balance-enhancing exercises, while they consume more alcohol in the home environment. By assessing conditional associations, we establish a positive association between life satisfaction and lifestyle (estimated value = 21,600, p = 0,000). Older adults living in the institutional environment are more satisfied with life (v= 23,097) than those living in the home environment (N= 21.774). CONCLUSION: The satisfaction of older adults with their life increases if an individual’s lifestyle improves. Older adults living in the institutional environment are more satisfied with life than those living in the home environment. In the future, it will be necessary to pay more attention to the study of living in a home environment, in accordance with the strategy of long-term care for the older adults.