Factors associated with life satisfaction of Korean older adults with disabilities living alone
A cross-sectional study using the ICF framework
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22089928 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Song Yi Han (0000-0002-6745-4328, Sun Moon University), Young Ko (0000-0003-2708-8543, Gachon University), Hye‐young Jang (0000-0003-0934-7679, Hanyang University), Hye-Young Jang (Hanyang University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Pages | 1812101-1812101 |
| Publication date | 2026-06-10 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1812101 |
| PMID | 42359146 |
| OpenAlex | W7164172411 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 28 |
Background/objectives This study aims to identify factors associated with life satisfaction among older adults with disabilities living alone using an analytic framework informed by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods Data were analyzed from 536 older adults (aged 60 years and older) with disabilities using the fourth wave of the Disability and Life Dynamics Panel conducted by the Korea Disability Development Institute. Factors associated with life satisfaction were categorized into personal factors (sex, education level, employment status, subjective economic hardship, self-esteem, and disability acceptance), environmental factors (number of close persons and frequency of contact with them), health-related characteristics (subjective health status, primary disability type, and disability severity), and activities and participation (needs for assistance with activities of daily living, social activity participation, online social interaction, and leisure activity participation). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t -tests, analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and hierarchical regression analysis. Results Subjective economic hardship was negatively associated with life satisfaction ( β = −0.151, p < 0.001), whereas employment status ( β = 0.326, p < 0.001), self-esteem ( β = 0.114, p = 0.002), and disability acceptance ( β = 0.101, p = 0.006) were positively associated with life satisfaction within the personal factors domain. Among environmental factors, rare contact with close persons was negatively associated with life satisfaction ( β = −0.121, p = 0.001). Regarding health-related characteristics, subjective health status was positively associated with life satisfaction ( β = 0.256, p < 0.001). For activities and participation, unmet needs for assistance with activities of daily living ( β = −0.078, p = 0.013) and non-participation in leisure activities ( β = −0.073, p = 0.016) were negatively associated with life satisfaction. Conclusion This study highlights the multidimensional nature of life satisfaction among older adults with disabilities living alone, demonstrating that both individual and environmental factors are significantly associated with life satisfaction. Future initiatives should focus on expanding job programs, promoting social and leisure activities, and developing integrated health and social support interventions that consider both individual and community contexts, along with improving age-friendly environments
Activities of daily living · Descriptive statistics · International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health · Life satisfaction · Medical model of disability · Multilevel model · Social support · Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes · Health and Wellbeing Research · Health disparities and outcomes
Society and the Adolescent Self-Image
Correlation Coefficients
The Development of Self-Esteem
Participation of people living with disabilities in physical activity
Influences of socioeconomic status, social network, and competence on subjective well-being in later life
Social Relationships and Mortality Risk
Family support, housing, and care needs of older adults in South Korea
Factors Affecting Life Satisfaction of Older Adults in Asia
Disability Self-Identification and Well-Being in Emerging Adults
Health equity for persons with disabilities
Use of The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a conceptual framework and common language for disability statistics and health information systems
Disability and Patterns of Leisure Participation Across the Life Course
The Persistence of High Levels of Living Alone Among Adults with Disabilities in Sweden, 1993–2011
Subjective well-being
From social integration to health
Subjective well-being
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |