EXAMINING COHORT AND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN CENTENARIAN LIFE SATISFACTION

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine cohort differences in life satisfaction among a sample of N = 264 centenarians residing in Oklahoma. Of particular consideration was conducting an item response analysis of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS; Diener et al., 1995) based on three cohort groups of centenarian men and women (1899–1905, 1906–1910, and 1911–1915). Independent sample t-tests were conducted but no statistically significant differences emerged relative to overall life satisfaction scores across the sample. However, centenarian men (M = 5.70, SD = 1.69) reported conditions of their life to be better than centenarian women (M = 5.11, SD = 1.94). A one-way analysis of variance was further conducted to examine specific cohort differences. Analyses resulted in statistically significant differences between cohorts with regard to the appraisal of an “ideal life” (F = 3.95, p = .02), as well as living life over and “changing nothing” (F = 3.05, p = .05). Post hoc analysis further revealed that later born cohorts (1911–1915; M = 5.67, SD = 1.76) perceived their current life to be more ideal than earlier-born (1906–1910; M = 5.01, SD = 1.96). Post-hoc analyses revealed no significant cohort differences relative to living life over and changing nothing. Results will be used to further highlight socio-historical influences and proximal conditions that contribute to positive life appraisal in very old age. This has implications for geriatric practitioners who seek to improve quality-of-life for long-lived adults.