Occupational Engagement and Life Satisfaction in the Oldest-Old: The Umeå 85+ Study

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate whether the level of occupational engagement is related to life satisfaction among the oldest-old. The study was performed as part of a cross-sectional study of individuals 85 years and older in northern Sweden. The results revealed significant correlations between life satisfaction and engagement in both leisure and activities of daily living, and the effect sizes were interpreted as medium. This study adds some support to earlier findings that a higher level of task performance is related to a higher level of life satisfaction. The results also give some clinical evidence to support a client-centered approach that includes consideration of leisure tasks a person is motivated to perform.