Life satisfaction and its related factors among older adults: an analysis based on consumption behavior and demographic characteristics of 1,578 older adults in Hubei, China

BACKGROUND: Global population aging is accelerating, with older adults projected to account for as much as 21.6% of the population by 2050. The aging problem in Hubei Province of China is even more serious. We aimed to explore the correlation between the life satisfaction of older adults and their consumption behavior and demographic characteristics in Hubei Province, China. METHODS: This study adopted a cross-sectional design and conducted a questionnaire survey among 1,578 older adults in Hubei Province through multi-stage sampling from May to September 2025. Participants were dichotomized into a satisfied group (including "satisfied" and "basically satisfied") and a dissatisfied group (including "not very satisfied" and "dissatisfied") based on their responses to the life satisfaction question. The demographic characteristics and consumption behavior distributions between the two groups were compared and then the independent factors related to life satisfaction were explored. RESULTS: The life satisfaction rate among older adults in Hubei Province was 88.21%. Regression analysis revealed that living arrangements, personal monthly disposable income, and monthly clothing/shoes/hats consumption frequency were independently positively correlated with satisfaction (all adjusted odds ratios > 1, all P < 0.05), whereas health condition, monthly consumption frequency of residential category, and monthly transportation/communication consumption frequency were independently negatively correlated with satisfaction (all adjusted odds ratios < 1, all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The life satisfaction rate of older adults in Hubei Province of China was relatively high, which was associated with both demographic factors and consumption-related factors. Consumption reflecting active social participation was positively associated with life satisfaction, while consumption reflecting obligatory or stressful activities was negatively associated. The study provided preliminary empirical evidence that may inform the development of aging policies and services.