Social Support as Predictor of Life Satisfaction in Older Adults

Abstract

Social support plays an important role in the satisfaction with life in older adults. The purpose of present research was to find the social support as predictor of life satisfaction in older adults. Main hypothesis of the study was social support (significant others, family and friends) would be positive predictor of life satisfaction in older adults. Two more sub-hypotheses were also formulated. Correlational cross sectional research design was used with convenient sampling technique. Total 100 participants were selected which consisted of 50 couples from both nuclear and joint family system. The Multidimensional Social Support Scale (Zimet et al., 1988) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985) were used. The results revealed social support including, significant others, friends and family, had positive relationship as well as positive predictor of life satisfaction in older adults. Moreover, older adults from joint family system were found to be more satisfied as compared to the older adults from nuclear family. Findings have significant implications in Pakistani culture for the purpose of counselling.