REFLECTIONS OF THE PAST - NEW VARIABLES AFFECTING LIFE SATISFACTION IN LATER LIFE

The goal of this study was to identify variables affecting life satisf action in later life that could be manipulated through intervention. T he results indicate that life revision, regretfulness, and reminiscenc e is related to life satisfaction. A random sample of 122 retired pers ons completed a questionnaire assessing life satisfaction and degree o f life revision, regretfulness, and reminiscence. Controlling for heal th, social activity, and income, life revision and regretfulness were found to be more significant predictors of life satisfaction than inco me. The relationship between reminiscence and life satisfaction depend ed on marital status. Reminiscence had a significant negative relation ship with life satisfaction for those who had a spouse present and a s ignificant positive relationship for those who did not have a spouse p resent. Implications for practice and direction for future research ar e discussed.