The educational, racial and gender crossovers in life satisfaction: Findings from the longitudinal Health and Retirement Study.

TitleThe educational, racial and gender crossovers in life satisfaction: Findings from the longitudinal Health and Retirement Study.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsZhang, W, Braun, KL, Wu, YYan
JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Volume73
Pagination60-68
Date Published11/2017
ISSN Number1872-6976
KeywordsEducation, Gender Differences, Life Satisfaction, Racial/ethnic differences
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine variations in life satisfaction by education, gender, and race/ethnicity over a period of eight years among middle-aged and older Americans.

METHODS: Mixed-effects models were used to analyze five waves (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014) of longitudinal data from 16,163 participants born 1890-1953 in the U.S. Health and Retirement Study.

RESULTS: Life satisfaction was higher in older adults, and the Great Recession had great impact on life satisfaction. Crossover interactions were found by gender, education, and race/ethnicity. Higher education was associated with higher life satisfaction for both genders, with stronger effects for females. Hispanics had the higher level of life satisfaction than non-Hispanic Whites and African Americans.

DISCUSSION: Longitudinal evidence revealed disparities in life satisfaction. The racial/ethnic differences in the impact of education suggest that the economic and health returns of education vary by social group. Researchers should continue to examine reasons for these disparities.
DOI10.1016/j.archger.2017.07.014
User Guide Notes

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28779590?dopt=Abstract
Alternate JournalArch Gerontol Geriatr
Citation Key9246
PubMed ID28779590
PubMed Central IDPMC5614860
Grant ListU54 MD007584 / MD / NIMHD NIH HHS / United States
U54 MD007601 / MD / NIMHD NIH HHS / United States