The Relative Contribution of Leisure Activities and Other Factors to the Mental Health of Older Women

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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to test a life satisfaction model for older women. The model was derived from policy-relevant variables. The data base for the study consisted of a stratified random, national sample of 698 female retirees and 403 female homemakers. Findings suggested that life satisfaction was directly and positively affected by (in descending order of importance): leisure roles, income, health problems, and employment background. That is, homemakers were found to have higher life satisfaction than retirees. Additionally, income, health problems and employment background (retirees participated in leisure activities more frequently than home- makers) indirectly affected life satisfaction via leisure roles.