Aging Perception and Life Satisfaction in Older Adults

Abstract

Considering that the population's rapid aging may affect society, it is essential to know how older adults perceive life satisfaction and aging. Life satisfaction plays a vital role in experiencing loss in aging. On the other hand, the perception of aging can serve as a measure for assessing an indivi-dual's satisfaction with aging and reflects the individual's adaptation to aging-related changes. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the life satisfaction of the elderly popula-tion, the perception of aging, and the effect of demographic variables. The study conducted an online survey on a random representative sample of 273 participants aged 60 and over. "The Ageing Perceptions Scale" and "Satisfaction with Life Scale" were used in the study. Hierarchical multiple linear regression was used to reveal the crucial determinants of life satisfaction and the aging perception of the elderly. Correlation analysis was performed to determine the relations of the variables with each other. As a result of the research, the correlation between life satisfaction and old age perception was significant (r=.203 p<0.01). It is seen that the perception of old age increases as the age progresses, and life satisfaction is high in individuals with a heightened per-ception of old age. Life satisfaction and perception of old age are higher in individuals aged 75 and over (p<0.01). Understanding the concept of life satisfaction and perception of aging and its determinants may contribute to increasing the satisfaction of the elderly with aging and their adaptation to age-related changes.