The Effect of Preparation for Later Life on Life Satisfaction of Middle-Aged Adults: With a Focus on Mediation Effects of Social Support and Age Group Differences

This study investigates how preparation for later life impacts life satisfaction, as well as the mediating role of social support and variations across different age groups. Utilizing data from the 9th wave of the Korean Panel of Retirement and Income Study(KReIS), the sample comprised 2,197 individuals aged 50 to 64. The findings are as follows: First, physical, economic, and social preparation for later life positively affected life satisfaction in both the 50s and 60s age groups. Second, social support partially mediated the relationship between physical preparation and life satisfaction for both groups, while its mediating effect on the relationship between economic preparation and life satisfaction was observed only in the 60s group. This study concludes with a discussion on how these age-related differences can inform future policies and practices aimed at enhancing life satisfaction in mid-life.