Impact of Family Relationship Satisfaction in Middle Age on Social Relationship Satisfaction in Old Age : A Latent Growth Modeling Approach

This study examined the longitudinal effects of family relationship satisfaction in middle age on social relationship satisfaction in old age, considering gender, income level, and residential area.Using a latent growth model with distal variables, the study explored patterns of family relationship satisfaction in middle age in South Korea.Social relationship satisfaction in old age was used as the distal variable, while gender, income, and residential area were included as control variables.The analysis revealed that family relationship satisfaction developed in middle age positively influences social relationship satisfaction in old age.Additionally, women and general households demonstrated higher social relationship satisfaction than men and low-income households.Based on these findings, the study suggests the need to develop and expand diverse support programs to enhance family relationship satisfaction starting from middle age to improve social relationship satisfaction in old age.It also emphasized the importance of social exchange programs targeting men and low-income families.Lastly, the study found that older adults in non-metropolitan areas reported higher social relationship satisfaction than those in metropolitan areas.This finding highlights the necessity of considering programs that encourage non-metropolitan living to enhance the quality of life for older adults.