Lifestyles, Income, Health Factors, and Life Satisfaction of Older Hispanic Adults

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore to what extent life styles, income, and health factors contribute to the life satisfaction of Hispanic older adults. A secondary data analysis from a national survey of Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (HEPESE) (Markides, Ray, Angel, & Espino, 2012) was used. Subjects were Hispanic older adults (over 75 years, n = 1542). For this study, Hispanics and Latinos were considered as one and the same. A two-step hierarchical regression was conducted to address the research question. The results showed health status and income were unique predictors in the first step and (a) eating out with family, (b) eating out with friends, (c) spending time on cooking were unique predictors in the second step. It is culturally consistent that Hispanic older adults are more satisfied when they have time eating with people around them (e.g., family, friends) and spending time on cooking.

Keywords

• life satisfaction
• social relationships
• older hispanic adults
• eating out
• spending time with friends
• culture and socialization
• healthy lifestyle