Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

Ege Ãœniversitesi HemÅŸirelik Yüksekokulu Halk SaÄŸlığı HemÅŸireliÄŸi Anabilim Dalı, Ä°zmir Satisfaction of life, which is known as “happiness”, is one of the subjects that have been the focus of humanity for centuries. In order to define “satisfaction of life” the concept of “satisfaction” has to be described first. Satisfaction is meeting the expectations, requirements, demands and desires. But the satisfaction of life is a situation or an outcome obtained through comparing someone’s expectations (what he/she wants) with possessions (what he/she has got). Satisfaction of life demonstrates the result revealed by comparing someone’s expectations with real situation. When satisfaction of life is mentioned, generally satisfaction from entire life is understood rather than satisfaction related to a particular situation. What important in elderliness is that for one never to consider himself as a worthless. The best way to get rid of this thought of worthlessness is to get occupied with things that give happiness. For elderly individuals to feel worthless, worn out or exhausted is thought to be a significant obstacle for them in achieving satisfaction of life. Satisfaction of life demonstrates the result revealed through the comparison of expectations with true situation by the individual. Active working and producing individuals view themselves worthless and in the space right after the retirement. Thereafter, they think they have entered the period called “to commemorate the former experiences”. This situation naturally influences the satisfaction of life of elderly individuals unfavorably. But, our community always needs an elderly population as an equilibrium element and a source of experience. Therefore, to be aware of the factors effecting the satisfaction of life of the elderly individuals is important for elderly individuals to demonstrate behaviours that maintain and develop health, and for them to be happy and to be gained by the community. Keywords : Satisfaction of life, happiness, elderly, ageing, elderliness