An examination of the psychological mechanisms between body appreciation and life satisfaction among older adults from the perspective of self-acceptance and self-perceptions of aging

TL;DR

This study explores how older adults' appreciation of their bodies relates to their life satisfaction through self-acceptance and aging perceptions.

Contribution

The study introduces a new perspective on how positive body experiences influence life satisfaction in older adults via self-acceptance.

Findings

Body appreciation is positively linked to life satisfaction in older adults.

Self-acceptance mediates the relationship between body appreciation and life satisfaction.

Self-perceptions of aging do not independently mediate this relationship.

Abstract

Older adults are more likely to undergo changes in their physical appearance and health condition than younger people. These changes may relate to how they view their bodies and themselves, and may also be associated with differences in levels of life satisfaction. While many previous studies have focused on disease burden and functional limitations, this study examines the statistical association between body appreciation and life satisfaction from the perspective of positive body experience. It also investigates the mediating roles of self-acceptance and self-perceptions of aging in this relationship.

This study surveyed 605 older adults aged 60–80 using standardized scales to measure body appreciation, self-acceptance, self-perceptions of aging, and life satisfaction. A parallel mediation model was constructed and tested.

After controlling for several demographic factors, body appreciation was positively related to life satisfaction. Self-acceptance played a mediating role between the two. Self-perceptions of aging did not show an independent mediating effect in the model.

Positive body experiences and self-attitudes among older adults are positively related to higher life satisfaction. These findings provide references for the design of supportive services for older adults in community and health service settings.

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