Life satisfaction of older priests and members of religious orders in Malta and Gozo

Abstract

Background: The life satisfaction of oldest persons, including the oldest old, has garnered increasing attention and research as populations live longer. Psychosocial and developmental theories had to be updated to address increasing longevity. Gerontological theories like Gerotranscendence were formulated to address this emerging reality. The search for the contributing factors which contributed to a higher life satisfaction of the oldest old became an empirical must. This study set out to explore the life satisfaction of a unique and particular subpopulation of older persons in Malta and Gozo: older priests and male and female members of religious orders. Historically occupying a prominent role in Maltese religious, cultural, and social life, this group of people’s lives were shaped by lifestyles and choices. Aims: This study was a first attempt to capture the level of life satisfaction of older priests and male and female religious in Malta and Gozo. Its aim was also to explore the factors which contributed to the life satisfaction of these older persons. Design: This study was based on a quantitative research design. A four-section questionnaire which included two internationally validated measures, the Control, Autonomy, Self-Realisation, Pleasure Scale, (CASP-19), and the Gerotranscendence Scale (GS), was used to assess the life satisfaction of older priests and religious in Malta and Gozo. Gatekeepers were utilised to gather data on the population, assess eligibility, and distribute the questionnaire. Data collection was held in late 2020. Results: Results confirmed the paradox of ageing. Older priests and religious did not show decreased life satisfaction scores as they grew older. Life satisfaction was found to be dependent on (1) health, (2) living arrangements, (3) educational level, and (4) a sense of personal autonomy. Older diocesan priests scored higher than male religious. In turn, male affiliations scored higher than female religious on total scores for life satisfaction and gerotranscendence. Thus, confirming an association of life satisfaction with gender and affiliation. Older female religious living in convents were identified as the most impacted by multiple intersecting variables which influenced their life satisfaction in old age. Older diocesan priests living with family members also scored lower in life satisfaction scores compared to older diocesan priests living alone or in residential care. Older male religious scored lower in life satisfaction than diocesan priests and female religious when worry about finances was factored in. Older priests and religious all grew in gerotranscendence independently of their gender, age and health status. Educational level and living arrangements were associated with higher levels of gerotranscendence. Conclusion: This study provided a snapshot of a very unique population of older persons in Malta and Gozo: older priests and older male and female religious. It provided a wealth of information which both confirmed other research such as the paradox of ageing, and contributed further to the discussion of what impacts on the life satisfaction of this older population. The results suggested that more could be done to address, in a practical way, ways and means to improve the quality of life, wellbeing and life satisfaction of this unique population of older persons.