Factors Affecting Life Satisfaction of Older Adults in Asia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This review paper aimed to explore factors that affect life satisfaction among older adults (60 years and above) in Asia by systematically reviewing 21 research articles published post-2000 from major databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and PsycArticles with the related keywords to “life satisfaction in older adults”. Based on the reviewed studies following PRISMA guideline, 19 main factors are associated with older adults life satisfaction; activities of daily living, ageing, childlessness, cognitive ability, daily life decisions, depression, discordant living arrangement, education level, economic status, health status, housing satisfaction, insurance, marital status, perceived discrimination, preferred living arrangement quality, quality and duration of sleep, religiosity, social functioning and social support. This systematic review found social support to be the major factor for life satisfaction. Giving exposure to this matter would help to educate our society on the importance of social support for older adults to increase their life satisfaction.