Life satisfaction is apparently a measure of subjective well-being. It is one of the most well-established indicators of general wellness and positive functioning [1]. Life satisfaction has a long research history in social gerontology. However, several researches are yet inconclusive [2]. Numerous people and several researchers find getting old linked with declining happiness due to factors like physical, social and psychological changes that go along with aging. That means to say that key events older adults experience is assumed to have a bearing on their life satisfaction. 

An emerging theory on the attainment of life satisfaction across life stages assumes that it is human nature to have unrelenting desire and aspiration to attain satisfaction in life, however, not all may experience life satisfaction as it is relative to the contentment of whatever a human holds important and deemed meaningful to him as well as to the contentment he gets from his experiences.

Furthermore, the theory suggests that human beings incessantly yearn to achieve contentment in life. The attainment of such however is hardly a realization for all as it is highly impacted by the varying experiences and events encompassing life, such that its fulfillment depends on the contentment of whatever is regarded as important and meaningful to the individual. The series of experiences beset life are seen as relevant item or component of how the human attain life satisfaction.

One of the propositions of the theory is that life satisfaction is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors are those that are inherent in a person or those characteristics within an individual’s curb. Fastened from the wealth of literature and study, age and gender are considered to be elemental within a person and belong to the intrinsic factor category. The person’s health status, the locus of control as well as his spirituality are also included in this category. While intrinsic factors are innate in a person, extrinsic factors are outside the control of a human being that would include the person’s economic status, activities of daily living, one’s social support, family structure and living arrangement.               

Although life satisfaction is a broad concept in and of itself, the focus of this study is to determine the factors that affect the level life satisfaction among the elderly people. Moreover, the overall aim would be to validate one of the propositions of the theory of life satisfaction which is that life satisfaction is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Through examination of the identified factors, it probably can lead to a better informed society that older adults can have a great and satisfying life. 

Better understanding of life satisfaction will make people cognizant to the fact that there are fundamental factors of life to give importance to so that successful aging is smoothly attained. This will also help many people to increase support to the older population in the community. Noting what matters and what is important for the elderly people so that they attain life satisfaction conceivably can bring about better social services that will be made available for them. Innovative programs can be kick started so as to provide a platform where older adults can heighten their attainment of contentment and life satisfaction through social support among others. As the greying population is fast increasing, efforts to make programs and services that promote a dynamic and positive ways of life must also be enhanced and made available [3].

Theoretical Framework

The Attainment of Life Satisfaction theory across life stages will serve as the primary theory from which this study will be anchored. According to this theory, it is human nature to have unrelenting desire and aspiration to attain satisfaction in life, however, not all may experience life satisfaction as it is relative to the contentment of whatever a human holds important and deemed meaningful to him as well as to the contentment he gets from his experiences.

The theory suggests that human beings incessantly yearn to achieve contentment in life. The attainment of such however is hardly a realization for all as it is highly impacted by the varying experiences and events encompassing life, such that its fulfillment depends on the contentment of whatever is regarded as important and meaningful to the individual. The series of experiences beset life are seen as relevant item or component of how the human attain life satisfaction.

The theory assumes that contentment is a highly personal matter and is judged by the person himself who in fact is the one experiencing varied life situations. The life circumstances can come in any form such that it is diverse and unpredictable. The experience is different to each individual resulting to either attaining life satisfaction or the other way around. The attainment of life satisfaction is unique and different to every person as they have differing life encounters. The situation of life that the person is in would greatly put value to his experience of attaining life satisfaction.

The theory on the attainment of life satisfaction will serve as the theoretical framework of this study as it argues that there are numerous facets of life that may influence the life satisfaction experience of a person which includes intrinsic factors such as age and gender a person’s health status, his locus of control as well as his spirituality and the extrinsic factors which include the person’s economic status, social support and family structure, the activities of daily living and one’s level of independence.

Problem Statement

This study attempts to validate the assumption of the Attainment of Life Satisfaction Theory that life satisfaction is influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The study’s aim was to determine whether the identified intrinsic and extrinsic factor are determinants of life satisfaction. In the current study, ten factors (five intrinsic and five extrinsic) were identified as determinants of life satisfaction. Each of the identified factor was hypothesized to be a suitable predictor of life satisfaction of elderly population in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte, situated in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. To test the hypothesis that the level of life satisfaction of the elderly population is a function of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, multiple regression analysis was performed.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this study is to validate the proposition that Life Satisfaction is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Specifically, the aim is to determine the link between life satisfaction and the identified intrinsic factors (age, gender, religion, locus of control) and extrinsic factors (economic status, health, family structure, social relationship, activities of daily living and living arrangement).

This study utilized a quantitative research design since its goal is to determine the predictor variables influencing the life satisfaction of the participants. To collect data, four sets of instruments were used, the Satisfaction with Life Scale by Ed Diener [4], the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Katz, S. [5], a variation to Rotter’s original Locus of Control survey developed by Terry Pettijohn of the University of Virginia Rotter, J. B. [6] and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support by Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet and Farley [7].

The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) has been used heavily as a measure of the life satisfaction component of subjective well-being. This scale developed by Diener [4], is Likert type with seven-point response category. The score ranges from five to thirty-five. The score from 5-9 point out that the rater is dissatisfied with life extremely while a score between 31- 35 will indicate that the rater is extremely life satisfied. Those who rated with a score of 20 indicate a neutral position. The scale’s coefficient alpha is 0.79 to 0.89 showing a high internal consistency. Additionally, the test-retest correlation is shown to be good with scores between 0.84, 0.80 in a month interval. 

The older adults’ level of independence was measured utilizing Katz Index of Independence of ADL (Activities of Daily Living). This instrument was suitable to evaluate the older adults’ functional capability in carrying out activities of daily living on their own. It checks the adequacy in performing typical day to day activities such as dressing, bathing, feeding, transferring, toileting and continence. There is a yes/no selection for each of the activities identified. When a score of 6 is achieved, it means that there is full and complete function of the individual, 4 would indicate moderate impairment and a score of 2 or less is designated for those individuals with a functional impairment of severe type. 

The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is a brief research tool designed to measure perceptions of support from 3 sources: Family, Friends and a Significant Other. Zimet et al., developed this instrument in 1998 to assess perceived social support, though all the items are worded in the positive direction, the MSPSS has been shown to be relatively free of social desirability bias [8]. The scale is comprised of a total of 12 items, with 4 items for each subscale. This twelve item scale provides evaluation of the most common sources of support, namely: the family support, the support from friends the support of the significant others. A five point Likert Scale is used to assess strong support “strongly agree” (5) to lesser support “strongly disagree” [1]. The support of the family is measured through items three, four, eight and eleven. Support taken from friends is assessed through items six, seven, nine and twelve whereas in items one, two, five and 10 measure the support of the significant others. The twelve items MSPSS in terms of factor loading is moderately high. The subscale’s internal consistencies are 0.78, 0.76 and 0.69 for all three support systems (family, friends and significant others) respectively. Across many studies, the MSPSS has been shown to have good internal and test-retest reliability, good validity and a fairly stable factorial structure. The MSPSS is free to use.

Pettijohn’s 20-item true/false Locus of control question was utilized in this study to measure the locus of control of the participants [7]. Certain item has a score of 5 and the sum of the scores are determined through the given scale. There are five categories in the scale which include very strong internal locus of control (scores of 85-100), internal locus of control (score of 65-80), there is both external and internal locus of control (score of (40-60), external locus of control (scores of 20-35) and very strong external locus of control (score of 0-5). 

Moreover, the research was focused only in the City of Iligan and Lanao del Norte. The target population were the elderly people residing in the area mentioned. The sample were conveniently and purposefully selected for the conduct of this study to provide the researcher the necessary data to validate the proposition which is that Life satisfaction is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Inclusion criteria include being a male or female, sixty years old and above and those elderly demonstrating normal cognitive and mental functioning upon assessment utilizing the Short Portable Mini-mental Status Questionnaire. The participants were also asked to indicate their agreement to participate in the research study by asking them to sign a consent form before giving them the questionnaire. Only those who were keen and willing to be included in the study were involved.

In the current study, ten factors (five intrinsic and five extrinsic) were considered to be determinants of life satisfaction. Each of the factors identified was assumed to be a significant determinant of life satisfaction of elderly population in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. To test the hypothesis that the level of life satisfaction of the elderly population is a function of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, multiple regression analysis was performed. Basic descriptive statistics for the intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting life satisfaction of the elderly population are provided.

Descriptive Statistics

The participants (n = 118) were all older adults from Iligan City and Lanao Del Norte with ages ranging from 60 years to above 81 years old. Nearly half of the participants were 60 to 65 years old (48.3%), majority were female (62%), Roman Catholic (83%), more than half were earning a monthly income ranging from below 5,000 to 5,000 (55%), almost half had a nuclear type of family with majority of them living with their family (72%). Of the 118 older adults who participated in the research, nearly half perceived their health status to be good (31%), exhibiting both external and internal locus of control (M = 2.88, SD = 0.759). In terms of activities of daily living, most of the participants perceived having a high level of independence with a mean of 5.91 (SD = .391). Most of them perceived high social support from their significant others, family and friends (M = 5.56, SD = 1.045). The participants generally feel a high level of satisfaction in their life (M = 27.49, SD = 4.451).

Predictor Variables

In the context of this theory, it is presumed that there are numerous facets of life that influence the life satisfaction experience of a person. These factors are classified into intrinsic factors or extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors are those that are inherent in a person or those characteristics within an individual’s control. In this study, age and gender, religious affiliation, perceived health status and the degree of locus of control comprised the intrinsic factor category. The identified extrinsic factors in this research include one’s economic status, family structure, living arrangement, perceived social support and level of independence in ADL. While the intrinsic factors are innate in a person, extrinsic factors are outside the control of a human being. All of the ten identified factors are the predictor variables.

Intrinsic Factors

Table 1 displays the means score of the predictor variables (intrinsic) which were used to determine the level of life satisfaction of the respondents’ understudy. In the Table 1, the adults who participated in the research perceived their health status to be good (M = 3.05, SD = 1.218) and they are exhibiting both external and internal locus of control (M = 2.88, SD = 0.759).

Table 1: Descriptive Statistics for Elderly’s Intrinsic Factors Related to Their Life Satisfaction (N = 118)

*Scaling (Degree of Locus of Control): 85-100=Very Strong Internal LoC; 65-84 = Internal LoC; 40-64 = Both External and Internal LoC; 20-39 = External LoC; 0-19 = Very Strong External LoC, *Scaling (Perceived Health Status): 1-1.7 = Excellent; 1.8-2.5 = Very Good; 2.6-3.3 = Good; 3.4-4.1 = Fair; 4.2-5 = Poor

Extrinsic Factors

In the Table 2, mean scores of the predictor variables (extrinsic) is shown. The perceived social support of the elderly adults by their significant others is high (M = 5.91, SD = 1.26) as can also be seen in the support they have from their family (M = 6.16, SD = 1.163). Similarly, support from friends is also high with a mean score of 4.61 (SD = 1.711). With a high perceived social support from significant others, family and friends, consequently there is also a high overall perceived social support (M = 5.56, SD = 1.045).

Table 2: Descriptive Statistics for Elderly’s Extrinsic Factors Related to Their Life Satisfaction (N = 118)

*Scaling (Perceived Social Support): 1-2.9 = Low Support; 3-5 = Moderate Support; 5.1-7 = High Support, *Scaling (Level of Independence): 1-2.66 = Low Level; 2.67-4.33 = Moderate Level; 4.34-6 = High Level

Life Satisfaction

Results as shown in Table 4 revealed that the respondents (n = 118) have high level of life satisfaction (M = 27.491, SD = 4.451). A supporting table (Table 3) shows the mean distribution and standard deviation of each of the five statements of the Life Satisfaction Scale used in the study. Most of the participants agree to the first three statements indicated in the scale which are “in most ways my life is close to ideal” (M = 6.07, SD = 1.123); “the conditions of my life are excellent” (M = 5.7, SD = 1.421) and “I am satisfied with my life” (M = 5.83, SD = 1.373). The participants, however, slightly disagree to the statements ‘so far I have gotten the important things I want in my life’ and ‘if I could live my life over, I would change almost nothing with means scores of M = 4.83, 4.99 respectively. The mean scores of all the statements which is relatively high ranges from 4.89-6.07 and the overall mean score is 5.498.

Table 3: Descriptive Statistics for Elderly’s Life Satisfaction Scale (N = 118)

Scaling: 1-1.85=Strongly Disagree; 1.86-2.71=Disagree; 2.72-3.57=Slightly Disagree; 3.58-4.43=Neither Agree nor Disagree; 4.44-5.29=Slightly Agree; 5.3-6.15=Agree; 6.16-7=Strongly Agree

Standard Multiple Regression

Standard multiple linear regression analysis was utilized to make a model in determining the life satisfaction of elderly population based on identified intrinsic factors that are inherent in each participant.

Table 4: Descriptive Statistics for Elderly’s Level of Life Satisfaction (N = 118)

Scaling: 31-35 = Extremely Satisfied; 26-30 = Satisfied; 21-25 = Slightly Satisfied; 20 = Neutral; 15-19 = Slightly Dissatisfied; 10-14 = Dissatisfied; 5-9 = Extremely Dissatisfied

Intrinsic Factors

Initially, an examination of the correlations amongst the intrinsic factors and life satisfaction revealed that no independent variables were highly correlated indicating that the data is befittingly correlated with the predictor variable for analysis through multiple linear regression to be carried out. The outcomes of the correlations amongst the key variables are presented in Table 5.

The results in Table 5 revealed that level of life satisfaction (M = 27.49, SD = 4.45) was negatively correlated with perceived health status (M = 3.05, SD = 1.21) which was statistically significant (r = -0.236, n = 118, p = 0.005) and positively correlated with the degree of locus of control (M = 2.88, SD = 0.75) which was also statistically significant (r = 0.204, n = 118, p = 0.013). 

Table 5: Correlations between Predictor Variables (Intrinsic Factors)

Correlation is significant at the *p £.05, **p £.01 (1-tailed), Legend: LS=Life Satisfaction; RA: Religious Affiliation; PHS: Perceived Health Status; LoC: Locus of Control

Sex (M = 1.62, SD = 0.48) was both positively correlated with age (M = 2.06, SD = 1.26) and perceived health status, which were statistically significant (r = 0.176, n = 118, p = 0.028) and (r = 0.148, n = 118, p = 0.05), respectively. Meanwhile, perceived health status was statistically negatively correlated with the degree of locus of control (r = -0.213, n = 118, p = 0.010).

As can be seen in Table 5, perceived health status is negatively correlated while locus of control is clearly correlated with dependent variable , showing that those with higher scores on the perceived health status variable (coded as 1 = Excellent, 2 = Very Good, 3 = Good, 4 = Fair, 5 = Poor) tend to have lower life satisfaction scores (coded as 1 = Extremely dissatisfied; 2 = Dissatisfied; 3 = Slightly dissatisfied; 4 = Neutral; 5 = Slightly satisfied; 6 = Satisfied; 7 = Extremely satisfied) while those with higher scores on the locus of control variable (coded as 1 = Very strong external locus of control and 5 = Very strong internal locus of control) tend to have higher life satisfaction scores and vice versa.

Table 6 summarizes the results of the multiple regression analysis for the intrinsic factors as predictors of life satisfaction of the elderly population in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. The five intrinsic factors produced an adjusted R2 of .061 for the prediction of life satisfaction of the elderly population. The multiple correlations between life satisfaction and the five predictors were moderate to low (R = 0.318). The five intrinsic predictor model was able to account for 10% of the variance in the life satisfaction (R2 = 0.101). 

Table 6: Standard Multiple Regression of Intrinsic Factors On Life Satisfaction Reported by Elderly Population

R: 0.318; R2: 0.101; Adjusted R2: 0.061, N: 118; *p £0.05, **p £0.01

As shown in Table 6, the strongest intrinsic predictor was perceived health status (b = -0.23), followed by locus of control (b = 0.137), age (b = 0.103), religious affiliation (b = -0.081) and sex (b = -0.056). However, only perceived health status predictor had significant partial effect in the full model t (112) = -2.455, p = 0.016. As can be seen in Table 6, when life satisfaction of the elderly population was predicted it was found that perceived health status has a significant negative outcome (B = -0.840, p = 0.016) showing that after the rest of the variables were subsequently in the model, the elderly with greater scores of perceived health status (poor health status) were projected to rate lower life satisfaction scores. All other intrinsic factors did not contribute to the multiple regression model. The regression equation was: predicted life satisfaction = 26.623+0.364 (age)+0.513 (sex)-0.325 (religious affiliation) -0.840 (perceived health status) +0.804 (locus of control). The results indicate that as the perceived health status score increases by one unit (scores were reversed), there is an expected decrease in the life satisfaction scores by an average of 0.840 holding all other predictors constant. The regression equation is significant F (5,112) = 2.517, p = 0.034.

Extrinsic Factors

Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the life satisfaction of elderly population and various potential extrinsic predictors (economic status, family structure, living arrangement, perceived social support scores and level of independence scores. The correlations amongst the extrinsic factors and life satisfaction were examined and these are presented in Table 7.

Table 7: Correlations between Predictor Variables (Extrinsic Factors)

Correlation is significant at the *p £0.05, **p £0.01 (1-tailed), Legend: LS: Life Satisfaction; ES: Economic Status; FS: Family Structure; LA: Living Arrangement; PSS: Perceived Social Support; LoI: Level of Independence in ADL

As can be seen in Table 7, except for living arrangement, all the correlations between the five extrinsic factors and the dependent variable, life satisfaction, were all positive and low, ranging between 0.037 (family structure) and 0.266 (perceived social support). This shows that the outcome is befittingly correlated with the predictor variable for investigation through multiple linear regression to be reliably carried out. The findings also show that three extrinsic predictors were found to be significantly correlated with life satisfaction. Economic status (M = 2.44, SD = 1.25) and level of life satisfaction was positively correlated (r = 0.219, p = 0.009). Perceived social support (M = 5.56, SD = 1.04) and level of life satisfaction was positively correlated (r = 0.266, p = 0.002). Level of independence in ADL (M = 5.90, SD = 0.39) and level of life satisfaction was positively correlated (r = 0.247, p = 0.004). The results indicate that those elderly with higher economic status or those with higher perceived social support scores or those with higher scores in their level of independence as measured by their ability to perform certain activities of daily living without assistance also tend to have higher life satisfaction scores.

Table 8 summarizes the results of the multiple regression analysis for the extrinsic factors as predictors of life satisfaction of the elderly population in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. The overall model fit was R2 = 0.122. The multiple correlation between life satisfaction and the five extrinsic predictors was moderately strong (R = 0.40). The combination of the five extrinsic predictors accounts for 16% of the variation in the life satisfaction (R2 = 0.16). As shown in Table 8, the strongest predictor was perceived social support (b = 0.239), followed by level of independence in ADL (b = 0.222), economic status (b = 0.153), living arrangement (b = -0.093) and family structure (b = 0.067). However, economic status, family structure and living arrangement did not have a significant partial effect in the full model, but perceived social support t (112) = 2.733, p = 0.007 and level of independence in ADL t (112) = 2.518, p = 0.013 did have significant partial effects. Perceived social support has a significant positive weight (B = 1.017, p = 0.007) while level of independence in Activities of Daily Living has a positive weight (B = 2.520, p = 0.013), signifying that when the other variables were controlled in the model, the elderly with greater perceived social support marks or those elderly with higher level of independence scores were expected to have higher life satisfaction scores. The regression equation was significant (F (5,112) = 4.263, p = 0.001). Predicted life satisfaction is equal to 5.711 + 0.543 (economic status) + 0.219 (family structure) - 0.319 (living arrangement) + 1.01 (perceived social support) + 2.52 (level of independence in ADL). The results show that as the perceived social support score increases by one unit, there is an expected increase in the life satisfaction scores by an average of 1.01 holding all other predictors constant. The results also show that as the scores in the level of independence increases by one unit, the model predicts that the life satisfaction scores will increase by 2.52.

Table 8: Standard Multiple Regression of Extrinsic Factors On Life Satisfaction Reported by Elderly Population

R: 0.400; R2: 0.160; Adjusted R2: 0.122, N: 118; *p £0.05, **p £0.01

Hierarchical Multiple Regression

Given the significance of the individual results of the standard multiple regression analysis for both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, a hierarchical multiple regression was employed to help determine which of the significant predictors could be used to predict the experience of life satisfaction for the elderly in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. 

Before carrying out a hierarchical multiple regression analyses, the significant expectations of this statistical exploration were verified. Initially, a sample size of 118 was assumed to be sufficient with three independent variables to be involved in the analysis [7]. 

The possibility of singularity was also met as the (Perceived Health Status, Perceived Social Support and Level of Independence in ADL) were not a combination of other independent variables. Tests for multicollinearity indicated that a very low level of multicollinearity was present (VIF = 1.072 for Perceived Health Status, 1.042 for Perceived Social Support and 1.030 for Level of Independence in ADL) suggesting that the estimated βs are well established in the following regression model. Before the hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed, the independent variables were examined for correlations. Inter-correlations between the multiple regression variables are reported in Table 9 and the regression statistics are shown in Table 10.

An examination of the correlations amongst the key predictors revealed that no independent variables were highly correlated indicating that the data is pertinently correlated with life satisfaction for analysis using multiple linear regression to be essentially undertaken. 

The results in Table 9 indicate that 5 out of 6 correlations were statistically significant. Perceived Health Status has a statistically significant weak to low, negative correlation with Life Satisfaction (r = -0.236, p = 0.005); with Perceived Social Support (r = -0.199, p = 0.015); and with Level of Independence in ADL (r = -0.169, p = 0.034). Additionally, Life Satisfaction has a significant, weak to low, positive correlation with Perceived Social Support (r = 0.266, p = 0.002) and with Level of Independence in ADL (r = 0.247, p = 0.004). The results indicate that those elderly with higher Perceived Health Status scores (poor health status) tend to have lower Life Satisfaction scores, lower Perceived Social Support scores, or lower scores in their Level of Independence as measured by their ability accomplish certain day to day activities without assistance. Meanwhile, those elderly with greater Perceived Social Support scores or increase Level of Independence scores tend to have higher Life Satisfaction scores as well.

Table 9: Correlations between Key Predictor Variable

Correlation is significant at the *p £0.05, **p £0.01 (1-tailed)

The predictors with the lowest non-significant regression coefficient were first removed and a three phase hierarchical multiple regression was accomplished with Life Satisfaction as the criterion variable. The intrinsic variable, Perceived Health Status was entered at stage one of the regression, followed by the extrinsic variables (Perceived Social Support and Level of Independence in ADL). Perceived Social Support was entered at stage two and Level of Independence in ADL at last stage. The predictor variables were processed in this particular order as it looked chronologically probable since perceived health status is an intrinsic variable, while perceived social support and level of independence are extrinsic variables and it is the researcher’s reasoning that one must consider the factors within oneself before considering outside factors.

The results of the hierarchical multiple regression revealed that at stage one, Perceived Health Status contributed significantly to the regression model [F (1,116) = 6.863, p = 0.010] and accounted for 5.6% of the variation in Life Satisfaction (R2 = 0.056). Introducing Perceived Social Support variable in stage 2 explained an added 5% of variation in Life Satisfaction. This change in variance accounted for (ΔR2) was R² = 0.106, which was significantly different from zero [F (2,115) = 6.804, p = 0.002]. In stage 3, the Level of Independence in ADL variable was entered and the final phase of regression analysis had an R = 0.39, R2 = 0.152 and an adjusted R2 of 0.13, with three predictors of Life Satisfaction – Perceived Health Status, Perceived Social Support and Level of Independence in ADL. The addition of Level of Independence in ADL to the regression model in stage 3 explained an additional 4.6% of the variation in Life Satisfaction and this variation in variance was also significant, [F (3,114) = 6.81, p<0.001]. Together, all three independent variables accounted for 15.2% of the variance in Life Satisfaction.

The unstandardized regression coefficients (B) and the standardized regression coefficients (β) for the full model are reported in Table 10. 

Table 10: Summary of Hierarchical Regression Analysis for Variables Predicting Life Satisfaction of Elderly Population in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte

N = 118; *p £0.05, **p £0.01

Beta coefficients for the three predictors were: Perceived Health Status (β = -0.153, t = -1.716, n.s); Perceived Social Support (β = 0.233, t = 2.644, p = 0.009); and Level of Independence in ADL (β = 0.218, t = 2.491, p = 0.014). When all three independent variables were included in stage 3 of the regression model, only Perceived Social Support and Level of Independence in ADL contributed significantly to the explanation of life satisfaction of elderly population. Perceived Health Status was not a significant determinant of Life Satisfaction. The strongest and uniquely incremental predictor of the dependent variable, Life Satisfaction, was Perceived Social Support (b = 0.233), that distinctively explained 5.2% of the variation in Life Satisfaction (sr2 = 0.052) followed by Level of Independence in ADL (b = .218) and Perceived Health Status (b = 0.153) (see Table 10). The best fitting model for predicting life satisfaction of the elderly population is a linear combination of the three factors: Perceived Health Status, Perceived Social Support and Level of Independence in ADL (R = 0.390, R2 = 0.152, F (3,114) = 6.81, p<0.001). The results of the regression analysis provided partial confirmation for the research hypothesis that the level of satisfaction in life of the older adult population is determined by intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

The aim of this current study was to determine which predictors were associated with the life satisfaction among the older adults living in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte to validate a proposition of the Attainment of Life Satisfaction Theory Across Life stage which is that life satisfaction is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In this study, ten identified factors were deemed predictors of life satisfaction. Each of the identified factor was hypothesized to be a significant predictor of the life satisfaction of elderly population in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. 

The result of this study reveals that majority of participants have high level of life satisfaction. The present findings are unsurprisingly parallel with the study conducted by Mercier, Peladeau and Tempier in 1998 [9], investigating the life satisfaction among older people. The study found out that with aging, the psychological state stays stable or may even increase though inevitable changes in aging is experienced. Life satisfaction necessarily does not change in later life according to Carstensen, Isaacowitz and Charles [10]. The result of this present study is also in consonance in a recent study by Ng, Tey and Asadullah [11], amongst the eldest population in China where majority of their participants regarded their life satisfaction as very good. 

In this study, of all the identified predictor variables, three factors are found to be significantly linked to the criterion variable. Perceived Social Support, Level of Independence in ADL and Perceived Health Status are strongly associated with high level of level of life satisfaction among the older adults (n = 118) who participated in the study.

The findings of the present study are consistent with existing research as it indicates that there is positive correlation between perceived health status, level of independence in activities of daily living, perceived social support and life satisfaction. There are several studies that show social support as positively associated with life satisfaction [12,13]. The perceived high support of the participants in the study also makes suggestion to the customs and practices of the Filipinos. For most Filipinos, family is valued to be a fundamental aspect of their social life. The nuclear family is the focal family unit, yet ties are often strong among other and extended family members. Uncle and aunts are also almost considered as part of the family hence relationship with them is encouraged. Relationships considered important even encompassed with that of the distant relatives, friends as well as neighbors [14]. An essential criterion of experiencing a satisfying life according to Won and Choi [15], is through having key social support structure such as the family. It can be inferred from this finding that support of the family really brings about defining imprint to a person as interpersonal relations and connections can be effective in bringing down anxiety and stress. Engaging also with people and developing meaningful relationship with them can offer safety and assurance thus leading to a much better life experience hence life satisfaction. 

The emergence that elderly people with higher Perceived Social Support scores tend to have higher level of life satisfaction can also be explained by the view of Diener and Seligman [16] that one constant predictor of Subjective Well-Being (SWB) involves social relationships. Individuals with fulfilling relationships accounted to have felt happiness regularly and sadness less often and stressed feeling satisfied with life compared to those individuals whose relationships were unfulfilling. Although, experiencing a fulfilling relationship yields positive outcome, it is still inconclusive. When an individual has had a fulfilling relationship, support is obtained when needed while those individuals with unsatisfying relationships on the other hand do not receive the support they need. One explanation is that thinking that there is somebody to be there when need be is self-reassuring. This greatly contributes to a sense of well-being. Hence social support is even more important in understanding the connection between social relationship factor and subjective well-being. 

The current study reveals that other than Perceived Social Support, Perceived Health Status also had a positive correlation with the level of life satisfaction of participants in the study. Of the 118 older adults who participated in the research, nearly half perceived their health status to be good (31%). It can be inferred from the result that older people who rate their health status positively are seen as having higher level of life satisfaction. This finding is apparently resembling the study of the life satisfaction among the old by Aberg et al. in 2005 [17], found out that from the participants involved in their study, the start of experiencing diseases brought great impact in life. When the reality of become old is experienced, thoughts of the older adults were directed at reevaluation of life and very few from among the participants conveyed lower life satisfaction levels. Study on the oldest among the olds yielded a strong link between perceive health status and life satisfaction [18]. 

The finding of the present study reveals that generally most (59.32%) older adults involved in the study regarded their health as good, very good and excellent which depicts a positive display of their health perception. The result may also be elucidated by the discovery of Jylha [19], that the elderly has lower expectations regarding health and these expectations may result in more positive self-perceived health among the elderly [20]. For Bulman and Wortma [21], people appear to have a distinct ability to retain and regain increase levels of well-being albeit aversive changes in life such as unexpected or sudden appearance of problems in health. 

In this current study, the Level of Independence in ADL contributed significantly to the explanation of life satisfaction of elderly population in this study. The outcome was similar to the findings of a study in 1979 by Martin and Markides [22,23], which finds that one’s functional capability is a significant life satisfaction predictor. To some degree, even the oldest of old individuals had a better life satisfaction experience when they have the ability to perform day-to-day activities. Since almost all (93.22%) of the respondents can fully engage in their daily living activities, the increase level of their satisfaction is an expected outcome. 

One important theory that probably can shed light in the finding of this present study is the explanation of the Activity Theory by Robert Havighurst [24]. The central hypothesis of the Activity theory is that there is a positive relationship between one’s activity and his/her life satisfaction [23]. It further asserts that an individual's life satisfaction is directly related to his degree of social interaction or level of activity. This theory is very clear in its stand that individuals who can engage in their day-to-day activities seem to be more satisfied with their lives. 

Finally, this study shows that Perceived Social Support, Level of Independence in ADL and Perceived Health Status as a model jointly accounted for a variation of fifteen point two percent (15.2%) of life satisfaction among the older adults.

Overall, the variables that seem to impact life satisfaction in senior adults are Perceived Social Support, Level of Independence in ADL and Perceived Health Status. The current study also validates that Life Satisfaction is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors as was posited in the budding theory of the Attainment of Life satisfaction across all ages that Life satisfaction is impacted by these factors. The findings suggest that for the improvement of the life satisfaction of older people, there really is a need to put on enough work to promote family support and other social support to this group of people. To provide, maintain and improve community services that are focused on health and social support are also key for the older adults’ attainment of life satisfaction

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