Are You Satisfied with Your Life?

Are you satisfied with your life at this time? Maybe you are, or maybe you're not sure. There's a lot of variation in how older men view their lives.

Medical research suggests that the key characteristics of older men satisfied with life include strong self-esteem, good health, social engagement, and alignment with personal values and roles.

This article is a checklist of things that affect your perception of how satisfied you are with your life and where it is going. You already have a good idea of what's involved in your happiness and satisfaction with life -- but anyway, have a quick look at the list below to see if there's anything you've missed.

Psychological and Personal Characteristics

Older men who are satisfied with life tend to have high self-esteem and positive self-assessment, particularly regarding their character rather than appearance. Unlike women, their life satisfaction is less dependent on social support or family involvement and more on their own self-perception and psychological well-being.

Personality traits such as low neuroticism, high conscientiousness, openness, and agreeableness are also predictive of higher life satisfaction.

Some factors to consider:

• Positive attitude and optimism: Older men who maintain a positive or optimistic outlook, even in the face of age-related challenges, tend to report higher life satisfaction.
• Ego Integrity and Gerotranscendence (later stages of life): Studies in older adults aged 85 and above suggest that achieving ego integrity (a sense of coherence and fulfillment from one's life story) is positively associated with higher life satisfaction. For individuals aged 95 and older, gerotranscendence (a shift in perspective toward a more cosmic and less materialistic worldview) may also be associated with higher life satisfaction.
• Self-efficacy: Feeling capable and having confidence in your ability to manage your own life and navigate challenges is linked to higher life satisfaction.
• Conscientiousness and Extraversion: Certain personality traits, like conscientiousness (organized, responsible, self-disciplined) and extraversion (sociable, outgoing, assertive), are associated with higher overall life satisfaction and stability in life satisfaction among older men.
• Generativity: Older adults who show concern for guiding and contributing to future generations are more likely to experience psychological well-being and fulfilling lives.
• Gratitude: Finding happiness in gratitude for life experiences, both good and bad, and appreciating the people and things around you, is associated with happiness at any age. 

Health and Lifestyle Factors

Good physical and mental health are consistently linked to greater life satisfaction. Active engagement in daily activities, maintaining independence, and having fewer chronic diseases or functional limitations are important.

Positive health behaviors, such as preventive care, healthy eating, and a positive mental attitude, are associated with higher satisfaction, especially in men aged 61–75. Sexual satisfaction is also positively associated with life satisfaction in older men.

Some factors to consider:

• Maintaining Physical Health: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, proper sleep, and stress management are vital for maintaining physical health and vitality, which positively impact overall happiness and life satisfaction.
• Mental Stimulation and Purpose: Engaging in lifelong learning, hobbies, and meaningful pursuits keeps the mind sharp and engaged, contributing to higher life satisfaction.
• Financial Security: Having financial stability and feeling secure about your finances reduces stress and enables you to enjoy your retirement and pursue fulfilling activities.
• Freedom and Independence: Being able to make choices about your daily routine, engage in hobbies and passions, and maintain a sense of autonomy contributes to a feeling of peace and happiness. 

Social and Environmental Factors

While social support is a major factor for life satisfaction in older adults generally, for men, its impact is less pronounced compared to women.

However, engagement in volunteer or charity work and maintaining social relationships can still contribute positively. Satisfaction is also higher when older men feel their current life role matches their personal preference and offers opportunities for control and clarity.

Some factors to consider:

• Strong Social Connections: Maintaining strong relationships with family, friends, and peers significantly impacts emotional well-being and reduces loneliness and social isolation.
• Social Activity: Actively engaging in social activities, like meeting with friends and children, participating in hobby clubs, social gatherings, religious activities, and volunteering, positively predicts life satisfaction in older adults.
• Family Relationships: Positive family relationships contribute to a sense of belonging and support, which is important for overall life satisfaction.
• Maintaining Existing Relationships: Older adults tend to benefit more from maintaining existing close relationships than from establishing new ones, focusing on emotion regulation and positive social experiences.
• Community Involvement: Engaging with the community, potentially through volunteer work or participating in senior centers, contributes to feelings of purpose and connection. 

In Summary...

Older men who are satisfied with life typically have strong self-esteem, good health, positive personality traits, and are engaged in meaningful activities that align with their values and preferences. Social support is less central for men than for women, but active engagement and role satisfaction remain important contributors.

References

1. Nikitina, E. Life satisfaction of elderly women and men. Vestnik of Saint Petersburg University. Psychology. 2024.
2. Suzuki, K., Kida, H., Niimura, H., Bun, S., Eguchi, Y., Takayama, M., Mimura, M., & Shikimoto, R. Relationship Between Life Satisfaction and Psychological Characteristics Among Community-Dwelling Oldest-old: Focusing on Erikson's Developmental Stages and the Big Five Personality Traits.. The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. 2023.
3. Reine, I., & Cama, E. Personality traits and engagement in activities - predictors of life satisfaction for ageing persons. European Journal of Public Health. 2020; 30. 
4. Bramhankar, M., Kundu, S., Pandey, M., Mishra, N., & Adarsh, A. An assessment of self-rated life satisfaction and its correlates with physical, mental and social health status among older adults in India. Scientific Reports. 2023; 13. 
5. Głowacka, M., Dykowska, G., Gasik, M., Humańska, M., & Cybulski, M. Satisfaction with Life and Health Behaviours in Pre-Seniors and Seniors: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study. Sustainability. 2024 
6. Buczak-Stec, E., König, H., & Hajek, A. The link between sexual satisfaction and subjective well-being: a longitudinal perspective based on the German Ageing Survey. Quality of Life Research. 2019; 28.
7. Khodabakhsh, S. Factors Affecting Life Satisfaction of Older Adults in Asia: A Systematic Review. Journal of Happiness Studies. 2021; 23.
8. Warr, P., Butcher, V., Robertson, I., & Callinan, M. Older people's well-being as a function of employment, retirement, environmental characteristics and role preference.. British journal of psychology. 2004; 95 Pt 3. 

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