Housing conditions, satisfaction with housing conditions and life satisfaction of older adults in Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

Housing conditions are a critical determinant of well-being among older adults. Yet, their influence on life satisfaction particularly the underlying mechanisms in developing countries, especially in Tanzania, remains underexplored. This study examines the impacts of housing conditions and satisfaction with housing conditions on life satisfaction among older adults in Tanzania. Specifically, it explores the associations between housing conditions, satisfaction with housing conditions, and life satisfaction, as well as the mediating role of satisfaction with housing conditions in the relationship between housing conditions and life satisfaction. Data were derived from a cross-sectional survey conducted between January and March 2024. A multi-stage, stratified, probability-proportionate-to-size (PPS) sampling design was employed to recruit 2,012 older adults (aged 60 +) from households across four geographical zones/regions of Tanzania. Logistic regression was used to construct the baseline model, and the Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) decomposition method was applied to examine the associations among housing conditions, satisfaction with housing conditions, and life satisfaction. Housing conditions were significantly and positively associated with life satisfaction (OR = 1.433, 95% CI: 1.186–1.731, p < 0.001). Satisfaction with housing conditions was also significantly and positively associated with life satisfaction (OR = 1.666, 95% CI: 1.591–1.744, p < 0.001). Furthermore, satisfaction with housing conditions mediated the association between housing conditions and life satisfaction, accounting for 37.4% of the relationship. The effect of housing conditions on life satisfaction varied significantly by geographical zone/region, whereas no significant differences were observed by gender or urban–rural residence. These findings suggest a need for more effective strategies and practical policies to improve housing conditions, thereby enhancing life satisfaction among older people in Tanzania. Additionally, regional planning and housing policy should prioritize addressing disparities in vulnerability and adversity faced by older adults in relation to housing.