Social participation and life satisfaction among older adults: diversity of practices and social inequality in Switzerland

Abstract This paper examines the associations between social participation and individual life satisfaction among older adults. It specifically considers diversity of practices inequalities this population. For analyses, we used a large survey individuals 65 years conducted in 2011 Switzerland (N = 2,727). The first set linear regression analyses Diener's Satisfaction with Life Scale its association various indicators participation. While second logistic addresses issue by evaluating impacts gender, age group, region education on that are significantly associated score. Our results stressed importance combining multiple forms for shows some particularly meaningful: particular, involvement associations, visitation family or friends/acquaintances church attendance. When adults considered, having rich varied participation, being involved maintaining private sociability non-kin appear more elitist. institutionalised and/or types significant adults’ satisfaction, most traditional integration – i.e. religions crucial vulnerable. Implications active ageing was equally discussed as well.