Understanding happiness and life-satisfaction in older persons across 22 countries: A cross-national meta-analysis of the Global Flourishing Study.

Background

Older people (65 +) are the fastest growing population group globally, yet factors associated with their happiness and life satisfaction remain underexamined, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

Data was taken from Wave 1 of the Global Flourishing Study, an internationally representative survey of ~200,000 participants across 22 countries. Happiness/life satisfaction, the main outcome, was measured as the mean of two 0-10 scales. Predictor variables included demographic, behavioural, psychosocial and wellbeing measures. Missing predictor variable data was imputed by multiple imputation. Generalised linear models were estimated by country and synthesised using random-effects meta-analyses.

Results

Mean happiness/life satisfaction of those aged 65 + (n = 34,821) was greater than that of those younger than 65 (n = 168,017) (7.31 vs 6.82), with highest scores in Brazil, Mexico and Sweden and lowest in India, Tanzania and Turkey. The strongest predictors of happiness/life satisfaction for 65 + were meaning/purpose (B=0.387; p < 0.0001), close social relationships (B=0.167; p < 0.0001), physical health (B=0.161; p < 0.0001), financial stability (B=0.130; p < 0.0001) and being free from bodily pain (B=0.27, p = 0.0001). Fewer predictors were significant in the older group compared to younger adults, including education, employment, and marital status.

Conclusion

Older adults reported higher happiness/life satisfaction than younger adults. Life satisfaction varied across countries, with middle-income nations reporting higher scores than wealthier countries. Life satisfaction in later life is associated with stable elements including health, purpose and social connectedness.