Religiosity as a Predictor of Life Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Older Adults in Bihar, India

Life satisfaction and quality of life are key indicators of successful aging and overall well-being in older adults. Although demographic factors such as gender, religion, and family structure have been widely examined, the role of religiosity as a psychosocial resource in later life remains underexplored, particularly in the Indian context. The present study examined the relationships among religiosity, life satisfaction, and quality of life, and assessed whether religiosity independently predicts life satisfaction and quality of life after controlling for demographic variables. A cross-sectional design was employed with a sample of 239 older adults. Standardized instruments were used to assess religiosity, life satisfaction, and multidimensional quality of life. Data were analyzed using Pearson product–moment correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Results showed significant positive associations between religiosity and life satisfaction, as well as between religiosity and overall quality of life. Religiosity was also positively related to psychological health, general health, social relationships, and environmental well-being. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that religiosity significantly predicted life satisfaction (β = .34, p < .001) and quality of life (β = .36, p < .001), even after controlling for gender, religion, and family type. These findings highlight religiosity as an important psychosocial determinant of well-being in later life.