Using the Bristol City Council Quality of Life Survey (2011-2013) – Preliminary analysis of life satisfaction and recommendations for further analyses

Mundy, Janet; Bray, Issy

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to explore the utility of the Bristol Quality of Life (QoL) Survey for measuring levels of life satisfaction (as a measure of well-being and mental health) in Bristol’s population aged 55 and over. An earlier report examined the variables available to measure levels of physical activity. This report focuses on life satisfaction and its association with physical activity and other variables. Life satisfaction was higher for women (73.5%) than for men (72.2%), higher amongst non-BME (Black Minority Ethnic) (73.4%) than for BME (63.3%) respondents and highest in the most affluent North & West (Inner) sub-locality (81.1%) and lowest in Inner City (East) (67.6%). Across age groups, life satisfaction rose from 68.3% overall for those aged 55-59, through the 60-64 age group (72.8%), remained around 75% through ages 65 to 84 before falling again to 66.5% for those aged 85-89 and to a low of 65.4% overall for those aged 90+.
There was an association between life satisfaction and physical activity, with 76.7% of those that undertook moderate physical exercise at least once per week reporting positive life satisfaction, compared with 56.4% of those who took moderate exercise less than once per week. This held across all age groups studied here (55-59 up to 90+). Life satisfaction amongst those who remained physically active at age 85-89 was high (78.3% for men and 78.8% for women). Life satisfaction amongst the least active (moderate exercise less than once per week) was only 46.7% among men in age group 85-89 and 49.4% for women.
General health in the past 12 months was positively associated with life satisfaction, while having a limiting long-term illness, having had an accidental fall in the last 12 months and being underweight or obese were all associated with lower levels of life satisfaction. There is a negative association between deprivation and both life satisfaction and physical activity. Social interaction (e.g. meeting family and friends), neighbourhood satisfaction and a sense of belonging to the neighbourhood were positively associated with life satisfaction. Reporting that ‘something prevents me leaving that house’ and feeling unsafe outdoors were associated negatively with life satisfaction.

• Report Type: Project Report
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Aug 1, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 1, 2016
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: life satisfaction, older people, Bristol
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/921817
• Contract Date: Aug 1, 2016