The Discrimination As Risk Factor on Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults in South Korea : Focusing on Mediation of Social Participation and Depression

Backgrounds & Objectives

 Social exclusion of older people has been studied in relation to various dimensions such as poverty, abuse, and ageism. Although previous studies indicate that discrimination based on age is harmful to life satisfaction(LS) of older adults, few studies have shown how severe the effects of discrimination on LS are. Based on previous findings and self-categorization theory, we hypothesized that the effects of discrimination on LS are partially mediated by social participation and mental health (i.e., depression) which are considered as critical factors for successful ageing among Older Adults. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of discrimination on LS and test whether social participation and depression mediate the relationship between discrimination and LS.

Methods

Sample consists of 1,235 individuals aged 65 and over who participated in the Seoul Welfare Panel Study in 2011. Experience of discriminations was measured by 13 self-reported items measuring experiences of being rejected by other people because of one’s age. LS was measured using 5 LS items. Social participation was measured using items measuring how often they participate in religious activities, leisure and sports activities, and social activities. Depression was measured by geriatric depression scale (GDS). Multiple regression analyses were done. We used bootstrapping method proposed by Hayes(2012) to test mediation effects.

Results

 Major findings are as follows. (1) Experience of discrimination have negative effects on LS. (2) Social participation took the role as a partial mediator in the relationship between discrimination and LS. (3) Depression also partially mediated the effect of discrimination on LS. (4) Social participation and depression were identified as serial mediators. These findings suggest that discrimination lowered social participation and aggravated depression, leading to lowered LS among older adults. 

Discussion

 The findings of current study suggest that discrimination based on ageism is harmful to life satisfaction of Older Adults not only directly but also indirectly through mediating factors such as social participation and depression. Given the findings, it is likely that developing social service programs that can help older adults who have experienced ageism is necessary. Specifically, the findings suggest that programs targeting on social participation and depression would be effective. Based on the findings, implications for practice and research will be discussed.