Subjective Quality of Life in Old Age in Greece

Subjective quality of life can be defined in terms of life satisfaction (LS), subjective well-being (SWB), happiness, and morale. In our study, we investigated the effect of demographic, health, affective, and adaptation-to-old-age factors on the above attributes of subjective quality of life. The sample was comprised of 160 elderly of both genders, aged 63 to 100 years. Half of them lived in a Greek city and the rest came from a small town and nearby villages. Participants filled in questionnaires on (a) demographic information; (b) subjective perception of their health condition; (c) emotional state; (d) adaptation to old age; (e) Life Satisfaction Index A and B ( Neugarten, Havighurst, & Tobin, 1961 ). Pearson correlation and regression analyses showed that the effect of demographic and health factors was mediated by affect and adaptation-to-old-age factors. Positive affect contributed to all aspects of subjective quality of life, whereas negative affect was important for the determination of happiness and SWB. Particularly important for LS proved to be good adaptation to old age and generativity toward one's children, whereas self-control and efficacy, and downward social comparison for one's health condition contributed to morale. Having children had a significant contribution to happiness, morale, and LS but not to SWB. The results are discussed in terms of collectivist values of the Greek society.