Association of nutrition management status, frailty, and social contact frequency with life satisfaction in older adults: A moderated mediation model

Abstract

Objectives: As the trend of aging has become global phenomenon, identifying the pathways to life satisfaction for older adults is important for maintaining their quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of nutrition management status, frailty, and life satisfaction, and the moderated mediating effect of social contact frequency to this relationship, to older adults in South Korea.

Methods: In this secondary data analysis using the dataset of the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans, the data from 6,663 of the original 10,097 participating older adults who were 65 years or older were included. The independent t-test; chi-square test; and mediating, moderating, and moderated mediating effect analyses were performed. Results: The results confirm a mediating effect of frailty on the relationship between nutrition management status and life satisfaction in older adults. Social contact frequency had a moderating effect on the relationship between frailty and life satisfaction. Finally, a moderated mediating effect of social contact frequency on the mediating effect of frailty was identified. Discussion: This study is the first to identify a specific path to the life satisfaction of older adults in South Korea using large-scale research. In addition, this study provided the basis for preparing basic data necessary to support older adults’ life satisfaction in a global aging society. This study is expected to help prepare the necessary intervention measures to improve older adults’ quality of life and life satisfaction. © 2023