Do opposite ends of same factors underlie life satisfaction vs. depressive symptoms among older people?

BACKGROUND: Although depressive symptoms are more common among older than younger age groups, life satisfaction tends to remain stable over the life course, possibly because the underlying factors or processes differ. AIM: To study whether the factors that increase the likelihood of high life satisfaction also decrease the likelihood of depressive symptoms among older people. METHODS: The data were a population-based probability sample drawn from community-dwelling people aged 75, 80, and 85 years (n = 1021). Participants’ life satisfaction was measured with the Satisfaction with Life Scale and depressive symptoms with the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Physical performance, perceived financial situation, executive functions, loneliness, self-acceptance, and having interests in one’s life were studied as explanatory variables. The data were analyzed using cross-sectional bivariate linear modeling. RESULTS: Better physical performance, not perceiving loneliness, having special interests in one’s life, and higher self-acceptance were associated with higher life satisfaction and fewer depressive symptoms. Better financial situation was related only to life satisfaction. Executive functions were not associated with either of the outcomes. DISCUSSION: The opposite ends of the same factors underlie positive and negative dimensions of mental well-being. CONCLUSION: Further studies are warranted to better understand how people maintain life satisfaction with aging when many resources may diminish and depressive symptoms become more prevalent. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40520-020-01765-z.