Impact of Disability Acceptance on Life Satisfaction among Older Adults with Disabilities: A Longitudinal Comparative Study of the Pre-pandemic (2018–2019) and Pandemic Periods (2020–2022)

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the multiple mediating effects of self-esteem, depression, and crisis coping on the relationship between disability acceptance and life satisfaction among older adults with disabilities, comparing periods before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods: This study employed a longitudinal comparative design, using data from waves 1–5 of the Disability and Life Dynamics Panel. The sample was divided into pre-pandemic (2018–2019) and pandemic (2020–2022) periods. Roy’s adaptation model served as the theoretical framework. Multiple mediation effects were examined using the PROCESS macro (Model 6). Results: Both the direct and indirect effects of disability acceptance on life satisfaction were significant, indicating partial mediation. In the pre-pandemic period, approximately 60% of the total effect was attributable to the direct effect and 40% to the indirect effect. During the pandemic, the proportion shifted, with the direct effect decreasing to 49% and the total indirect effect increasing to 51%. Conclusion: In crisis situations such as a pandemic, self-esteem, depression, and crisis coping play crucial roles in improving life satisfaction among older adults with disabilities. These findings highlight the need for policy approaches that consider diverse socio-psychological factors to increase life satisfaction among older adults during pandemics.