["As long as you're healthy and have your husband". An empirical analysis of the personal well-being of 75-year olds in Flanders].
Using data from a 2002 representative survey of Flemish 75-year olds (N = 1457), the aim of the present study is to identify the structures in and causes of subjective well-being. The analyses reveal the great importance of good health. Respondents with a good physical and mental condition, who have a great deal of functional mobility and independence, do feel much better. Secondly, findings indicate that respondents who faced the loss of their partner, experience lower well-being. This explains the found gender differences. Women have lower perceived quality of life, mainly because of their greater susceptibility to widowhood. Furthermore, missing the former job and work role also contributes to lower levels of well-being. Finally, respondents who can cope financially, who feel satisfied with their social contacts and who spend their time in an active way, have higher personal well-being.
De Groof
S
S
Vakgroep Sociologie--Onderzoeksgroep TOR van de Vrije Universiteit Brussel. saskia.de.groof@vub.ac.be
Elchardus
M
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001530:Belgium; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D017805:Widowhood / Q000523:psychology