Correlates of successful aging: are they universal?

The analysis compared differing correlates of life satisfaction among three diverse population groups in Israel, examining background and health status variables, social environment factors, and activity indicators. Multiple regression analysis revealed that veteran Jewish-Israelis (n = 2,043) had the largest set of predictors, the strongest of which was health status. Among Arab-Israelis (n = 609), social visitation served as a significant base for life satisfaction. The predictors among the new immigrant group (n = 751) reflected the search for social ties beyond the immediate family. The analysis underscores the universal basis of successful aging, especially the contribution of health status. However, it also clarifies that the specific components of some of the general categories of predictors work in different ways among different population groups.