RACE DIFFERENCES IN LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG AGED MEN AND WOMEN

The purpose of this study was to attempt to explain why race differenc es emerge in examinations of life satisfaction among older adults reti red from the work force. A conceptual model was developed and tested w ith data provided by 1,156 older Black and White individuals. The find ings from this nationwide survey reveal that older Blacks have lower l evels of life satisfaction than elderly Whites and that these differen ces may be attributed to the interplay between past aspirations and pl ans (as reflected by educational attainment and economic retirement pl ans) and present financial circumstances (as assessed by current finan cial strain and economic dependence on family members).