REFLECTIONS OF THE PAST: NEW VARIABLES AFFECTING LIFE SATISFACTION IN LATER LIFE

The goal of this study was to identify variables affecting life satisfaction in later life that could be manipulated through intervention. The results indicate that life revision, regretfulness, and reminiscence is related to life satisfaction. A random sample of 122 retired persons completed a questionnaire assessing life satisfaction and degree of life revision, regretfulness, and reminiscence. Controlling for health, social activity, and income, life revision and regretfulness were found to be more significant predictors of life satisfaction than income. The relationship between reminiscence and life satisfaction depended on marital status. Reminiscence had a significant negative relationship with life satisfaction for those who had a spouse present and a significant positive relationship for those who did not have a spouse present. Implications for practice and direction for future research are discussed.