Subjective Well-Being Storytelling: Relevance of Family and Friends in Older Adults

Abstract

This paper aimed to find out social representations regarding subjective well-being on aging and old age, which contributes to understanding these two processes from a positive view of health, from adults older. Research was carried out in the framework of aging heterogeneities, which is specified in different documents on international, national, and human rights organizations with respect to older adults. An interpretative study with two depth levels of analysis, that is, descriptive and analytical, was conducted. The theoretical framework for social representations provides support, so that technical resources for research, such as testimonies and resources of methodological triangulation can be used. For this purpose, the Satisfaction with Life scale was used. This scale identified the objectivation of social representations regarding subjective wellbeing by analyzing the texts produced with content analysis strategies depending on age group, sex, institutionalization or not, current formal-informal paid or unpaid activity. In order to understand the qualitative aspects that trigger satisfaction or not, taken from the subjectivity expressed in the discourses of the participants, to reinforce said welfare conditions in the health promotion and psychoeducational interventions that are implemented for aging and old age. This paper includes the results of analyzing testimonies of elderly people, where the role of social networks and a series of life habits in subjective well-being is highlighted.