title: A comparison of life satisfaction in elderly medical inpatients and the elderly in a population-based study: Nord-Trondelag Health Study 3.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the quality of life (QOL) in terms of overall life satisfaction in elderly medical inpatients and elderly persons in a large population-based study in Norway, and to study the odds for dissatisfaction, controlling for demographic, health, and social variables.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional observation study included 484 medical inpatients and 10,474 persons from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study 3 (HUNT 3 Study). All participants were 65 years and older. Their life satisfaction was assessed with a single-item measure with seven response categories. For analytical purposes the variable was dichotomised; i.e. dissatisfied vs. satisfied with life.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the logistic regression analysis controlled for demographic, health, and social variables, the odds for experiencing dissatisfaction with life was significantly increased in the hospital sample compared to the participants in the population-based study (OR 1.4). Poor general health, depression, and anxiety were strongly associated with being dissatisfied with life. Furthermore, disability, previous psychological distress, having no friends who could help, and not participating in activities were all associated with dissatisfaction with life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The hospitalisation of the elderly has implications for the QOL in terms of life satisfaction, but general physical and psychological health seems to have an even stronger impact on life satisfaction. The prevention of the deterioration of physical and mental health in old age seems to be essential for a good life.
authors: Department of Public Health and General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway. Anne-Sofie.Helvik@ntnu.no
authors: Anne-Sofie
authors: AS
authors: Helvik
authors: Knut
authors: K
authors: Engedal
authors: Steinar
authors: S
authors: Krokstad
authors: Geir
authors: G
authors: Selbæk
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D009664:Norway; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D058992:Social Participation