Moderated mediation roles of social connectedness and optimism on emotional intelligence and life satisfaction

The processes and circumstances underlying the association between emotional intelligence and life satisfaction were investigated among rural older adults. The factor structure of the measures was also assessed to determine their capacity and suitability for use. Participants were 1053 (639 males and 414 females) older adults with a mean age of 71.34 (SD of 7.15) recruited from selected rural communities in southwestern Nigeria. Results of the factor analysis show that the measures are appropriate for use in the study settings. Emotional intelligence significantly predicts life satisfaction as a result of social connectedness among the samples used. Also, the effect holds better among older adults with higher dispositional optimism than those with lower dispositional optimism. The study outcomes underscore the importance of social connectedness and optimism on life satisfaction among older adults in rural communities.