Life Satisfaction and Social Support in the Context of Active Longevity of Elderly People

Aim. To identify the role of internal personality resources (life satisfaction, time perspective), family support, and social activity in forming attitudes towards active longevity of the elderly.

Methodology. An empirical study was conducted involving 109 respondents aged 55–85 years, mostly women. The following instruments were used: “Life Satisfaction Index” by B. Neugarten (adapted by N.V. Panina), “Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory,” ZTPI (adapted by A. Syrtsova), “Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support,” MSPSS by G. Zimet (adapted by K.A. Chistopolskaya, S.N. Enikolopov), and the authors-developed socio-demographic questionnaire. Statistical analysis included correlation analysis, student’s t-test, and multiple regression analysis.

Results. A high level of life satisfaction was revealed, the dominance of a positive perception of the past, and a high assessment of support from friends and family. However, family and friendly support are not significant predictors of life satisfaction. A paradoxical negative relationship was found between the support of significant others and the life satisfaction index. The author-developed questionnaire results showed that 79.8% of respondents maintain regular communication with loved ones, and 94.5% assess their health as satisfactory or good. Other significant predictors for respondents include romantic partners, mentors, teachers, psychologists, coaches, and other individuals perceived as particularly important. The specificity of the sample (a significant proportion of widowed individuals – 33.9%, living separately – 48.6%) may explain the low assessment of support from significant others (M=3.75), as for many respondents this category is associated with a lost partner.

Research implications. The results expand the understanding of the role of internal resources of the individual in the formation of attitudes towards active longevity. The practical significance is determined by the possibility of using the results in the development of psychological support programs for the elderly with an emphasis on the development of autonomy and internal motivation, and not just external social support.

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