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A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland has illuminated how health, financial stability, and social resources impact subjective well-being in individuals aged 50 and older. The research, which surveyed 75,895 citizens across 27 European countries, reveals that while life satisfaction remains high into very old age, the eudemonic quality of life—a measure of personal growth and self-realization—begins to decline after age 70.
The study utilized two distinct measures of subjective well-being: evaluative life satisfaction and eudemonic quality of life. This dual approach allowed researchers to analyze how well-being evolves throughout various stages of older age, challenging traditional assumptions that often overlook the complexities of aging.
Doctoral Researcher Terhi Auvinen, the study’s lead author, notes, “Our findings suggest that while older individuals may continue to feel satisfied when looking back at their lives, their ability to maintain high levels of quality of life in terms of personal growth and fulfillment becomes more difficult as they age.” The research highlights the importance of health, financial security, and social networks in sustaining well-being.
Gender Differences in Social Support
Interestingly, the study found that women benefit more from wider social networks compared to men. Close relationships are essential for subjective well-being across both genders after age 50. While financial challenges and widowhood remain associated with lower subjective well-being, the study suggests that these burdens may become easier to endure with age.
“Having sufficient personal resources, such as health and financial support, is critical for maintaining subjective well-being as individuals age,” Auvinen explains. “However, there is no age threshold after which these resources become irrelevant.”
Implications for Aging Societies
This research carries significant implications for today’s aging societies, emphasizing the need for age- and gender-sensitive policies. By including the oldest demographic groups in their analysis, the study underscores the importance of addressing the unique needs of individuals in their 80s and 90s, as well as younger seniors.
The researchers advocate for tailored health and social policies that can effectively strengthen the resources of older adults, thereby supporting their well-being. Auvinen states, “Good health, financial security, and social relationships significantly contribute to maintaining subjective well-being at every age in later life.”
A Call for Inclusive Research
The findings of this study advocate for more inclusive research and policy initiatives that recognize the differences in well-being resources among older adults. The researchers emphasize that policies designed to support health and social connections among older individuals can offer valuable returns on investment for both the individuals and society as a whole.
Data from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) used in this study is available for free to researchers worldwide. Starting in summer 2025, the SHARE survey in Finland will be conducted by a consortium led by the University of Eastern Finland.
For more information, refer to the study published in Wellbeing, Space and Society by Terhi Auvinen et al, titled “Do people’s health, financial and social resources contribute to subjective well-being differently at the age of fifty than later in life?” (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.wss.2024.100219.
