A Gendered Perspective on Life Satisfaction and Intergenerational Relationships in the Second Half of Life

.This study examined the mutual effects of spousal life satisfaction as well as how older parents’ perceptions of relationships with their adult children relate to life satisfaction four years later. Data from 1,071 married couples in the 2006 and 2010 waves of the Health and Retirement Study were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. Findings revealed fathers’ life satisfaction in 2010 was only marginally linked to his 2006 perceived support, while mothers’ life satisfaction was significantly associated with higher support and lower strain. Results highlight gender differences in intergenerational relationships during later life.