Subjective Well‐Being of Rural Adults 75 Years of Age or Older: A Longitudinal Evaluation

Keywords

age, social interaction, morale

Abstract

This study examined a combination of factors that influence subjective well‐being of rural adults in late old age and compared factors influencing subjective well‐being across time. A 12‐year follow‐up study revealed a small, but highly reliable drop in morale for the sample as a whole. Personal competencyfactors, health, and perceived economic adequacy were most important to explaining morale at both Time 1 and Time 2. Social interaction emerged as relatively more important to subjective well‐being at Time 2. Individual change in morale was highlighted by identifying variables that distinguished persons who declined on morale versus those whose morale was stable or improved. Persons who remained married at Time 2 were more likely to have declined on morale. This finding was possibly due to reduced social interaction and caregiving.

Original Publication Citation

Scott, J. P., & Butler, M. H. (1997). Subjective well-being of rural adults 75 years of age or older: A longitudinal evaluation. Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, 25(3), 251-268.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

1997-3

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7243

Publisher

Family & Consumer Sciences Research Journal

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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