Life Satisfaction and Psychological Well-Being among Empty Nesters and Non-Empty Nesters in Kerala

Abstract

Getting older is a part of life that everyone goes through at their own pace. Exploring aging from a broader standpoint reveals it as a representation of life’s continual evolution, with the possibility of individuals experiencing Empty Nest Syndrome as they grow older. This study investigates the relationship between Empty Nest Syndrome, Life Satisfaction, and Psychological Well-Being among older adults in Kerala, India, exploring how the presence or absence of adult children influences their overall well-being and satisfaction. Conducted with 300 participants aged 60 and older, comprising equal numbers of empty nesters and non-empty nesters, the research employs standardized measures to collect data. Findings reveal that Empty-nest parents exhibit lower levels of Psychological Well-Being and Life Satisfaction compared to non-empty-nest parents and educational qualification emerged as a significant predictor of the variables among empty nesters. These results emphasize the importance of addressing psychological needs during the empty nest transition and promoting educational opportunities for older adults, with implications for intervention and practice.