Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the variables which influence old widows' life satisfaction. The subjects were 318 old widows over sixty years old in Kwangju. The data were taken by questionaires and analyzed by frequency distribution, percentile, AHOVA, scheffes test and multiple regression. The major findings of this study were as follows: 1) The majority of old widows were low educated and 36.2% were poor in health. Their living aspect that they live together with their married child was 74.2%. Degree of participation in social activities was very low. 42% were satisfied or very satisfied with their pocket money. 76.4% had religions. 25.5% had no old friend. Solidarity with their children was generally good. In their economical status, 8.4% of living together with married children were low while 35.3% of living separately were. 60% thought that they were important person at home. 35.5% answered that they were satisfied with their living condition and 6% were very satisfied. 2) The variables which affect the old widows' life satisfaction were age(p<0.05), state of health(p<0.001), degree of pocket money(p<0.01), economical status(p<0.05), roles at home(p<0.01), solidarity among their relatives(p<0.001), solidarity with their children(p<0.001), status in home(p<0.001) participation in social activities(p<0.05) and existence of old friend(p<0.01). 3) The significant orders which affect the old widow's life satisfaction were satus in home first of all (β=0.26, p<0.001), objective solidarity with their children(β=0.21, p<0.001), subjuctive solidarity with their children(β=0.19, p<0.01), state of health (β=0.15, p<0.01) and economical status who living with married child (β=0.15, p<0.01).

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