Older adults’ lifestyles are associated with their structural position, health and wellbeing

Abstract

Abstract The association between older adults' everyday activities, health and subjective wellbeing has mostly been examined using different activities as separate variables. It has not been analysed which activities are likely to come together in individuals' daily time use patterns, or in what context. Meanwhile, different combinations of activities and contextual variables may indicate distinctive lifestyles. This study looks at a broad range of spontaneously reported activities, their location and social context, and constructs latent behavioural classes. It examines how individuals' class belonging is linked with their structural position, health and wellbeing. The data used in the study came from a sample of 200 noninstitutionalized adults aged 65 and above. Activity data was collected using Experience Sampling Method. Generalized structural equation modelling (GSEM) was used to identify latent classes. Three behavioural classes were identified and labelled as: passive domiciliary, active functional, and social recreational. Lifestyles are related to individuals' structural characteristics and health status. Variables associated with class belonging are age, education, and detailed dimensions of health measured using the Nottingham Health Profile. Class differences in mean subjective wellbeing were statistically significant, but fully explained by sociodemographic and health-related variables. This study shows that behaviours and their settings form distinctive lifestyles, and that there is consistency between objectively measured lifestyles and subjective assessment of individuals' physical and emotional health. Key messages There is association between older individuals' daily behaviours and their subjective evaluation of detailed dimensions of their health. This study points to the life-long effects of education and suggests that individuals' socioeconomic characteristics may predict their lifestyle at older age.