Life satisfaction in community-dwelling older adults and direct and indirect associations with physical activity, functionality and overall health: a pathway analysis

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This study aimed to analyze whether physical activity, functionality, health variables and psychological factors are associated with life satisfaction of 654 older adults users of basic health units in the city of Maringá, Brazil. The WHODAS 2.0, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Scale, Life Satisfaction Scale, Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, Self-Esteem Scale, Life Purpose Scale, Perceived Stress Scale and Mini Nutritional Assessment were used. Path analysis was used. Self-esteem was the main factor related to satisfaction with life. Stress and depression indicators negatively influenced life satisfaction. Level of physical activity and life purpose were indirectly related to life satisfaction. Anxiety was the main factor linked to stress and indicative of depression, which in turn seems to negatively impact life satisfaction. It is concluded that satisfaction with life was directly related to self-esteem, nutritional status, stress and indicative of depression. Self-esteem was the main factor related to satisfaction with life.