Life satisfaction and self-concept of elderly living in congregate and non-congregate housing in Knox County, Tennessee

The elderly population is fast becoming the majority population both globally and locally. This population increase causes many to ask the question "Do elderly have a higher level of life satisfaction and self-concept living at home or in a group facility?" A review of literature provides a basis to examine this question by including variables such as gender, race, income and household size. The purpose of this study was to determine if life satisfaction and self-concept differed in the two study groups. This study included a total of 235 (208-non-congregate/27-congregate) elderly participants from both settings living in Knox County, Tennessee. Participants were identified through the use of a stratified random sample selection using census tract data. The 18-item Life Satisfaction Index-Z and the 100-item Tennessee Self-Concept Scale were used to measure life satisfaction and self-concept of elderly living in the two housing settings. A demographic data form was also used to capture data about the participants. Statistical analysis was conducted using marginal statistics, analysis of variances, multiple comparisons, and multiple analyses of variances. Findings suggest no differences in life satisfaction based on housing type; however, income made a difference. Self-concept results revealed differences between congregate and non-congregate housing groups related to family and self-criticism. A significant finding related also to size of household and housing type. Results revealed that as the size of the household (number of occupants) increases so does self-concept of the elderly individual. Health educators may find this information valuable when planning and implementing programs and services for elderly. Researchers may also find these results to be important when conducting future studies.