Spirituality as an influential holistic factor in life satisfaction in older adults: descriptive research

Abstract

Aim. Life satisfaction is an important driver of life and an important factor in the personal stability of a person. With the research, we wanted to find which of the holistic factors is most related to life satisfaction in old age. Material and methods. The research is based on the quantitative method of research, the method of description, compilation and causal non-experimental method. We used the survey technique. A total number of 656 older adults between the age of 65 and 98 participated in the survey. We obtained the data using various standardised measuring instruments. In order to determine the strength of the connection between holistic factors and life satisfaction in older adults, we used advanced statistical methods for the analysis of causal effects and conditional associations (propensity score methods). Results. We found that the most important factor for life satisfaction in older adults is the spiritual factor (R²=0.37) and the self-esteem index (R²=0.488) within it. The spiritual factor is followed by a psychological factor (R²=0.21), social factor (R²=0.19) and finally the physical factor (R²=0.05). Conclusions. Spirituality directs the lives of older adults and helps them to overcome various life problems. Since spirituality is a multidimensional concept, this research is an important starting point for further research in this field.