Perceived Social Support and Time Perspectives as Predictors of Subjective Well-being in Older Adults

Abstract

This study investigated how perceived social support and individual time perspectives contribute to subjective well-being in older adults, beyond demographic predictors. A sample of 225 older adults (aged 65–88) from southeastern Serbia completed standardized self-report instruments to assess life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, individual time perspectives, and perceived social support. Regression analyses were conducted to assess predictors of life satisfaction and positive affect, controlling for age, gender, education, marital status, living arrangements, and self-rated health. Demographic factors alone explained minimal variance in SWB outcomes. The inclusion of time perspectives significantly improved model fit, with a future-oriented perspective predicting both greater life satisfaction and positive affect. A past-positive orientation also predicted higher positive affect, while a present-hedonistic perspective was negatively associated with it. Adding perceived social support further improved the models, with family and partner support - but not friend support - emerging as significant predictors of both life satisfaction and positive affect. Final models explained 40% of the variance in life satisfaction and 38% in positive affect. These findings highlight the importance of adaptive temporal orientations and emotionally supportive close relationships in enhancing well-being among older adults.