Abstract
The transformation of the situation of older people in the 21st century can be attributed to social ageing and the changing of family structures, which are associated with changes in the living conditions of older people. The aim of this research is to investigate how aging is experienced in relation to protective factors and housing conditions. The research has a cross-sectional design, with a sample of participants aged 60+ years according to the WHO definition (N=98). Measures include self-structured and standard questionnaires to assess self-esteem, satisfaction with life, social support, and resilience. Results show that peer support varies based on living arrangements, with higher support reported by those living in social institutions or family, but no difference in old age experiences. Using cluster analysis, the sample can be divided into four groups based on housing conditions. Differences are observed in peer support, resilience and self-esteem, suggesting a more negative situation for those living in a single person household and a more positive situation for those living in a social institution. However, no differences can be identified in life satisfaction which is relevant to the experience of old age, possibly due to different background factors: resilience is the main factor behind the life satisfaction of women living in a family, while social support dominates in those living in a social institution. To understand the satisfaction of men living in a family and of women living in a single person household, it would be necessary to include additional influencing factors. Given these results, it can be seen that even in programs aimed at improving the quality of life of older people, it may be important to consider the place of residence, as it can influence life satisfaction through different factors.