Authors

• Kokko, Katja (University of Jyväskylä. Gerontology Research Centre and Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences)

Keywords

education, expectation, families, health, housing, interpersonal relations, labour and employment, leisure time, lifestyles, living conditions, personal identity, technological literacy, values

Abstract

The Life Situation Survey 2020-2021 is part of the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development (JYLS), which has followed the same individuals since 1968. This research wave explores the lives of participants, now around 61 years old, across key areas such as family, work, housing, health and leisure. Data collection for this phase included a life situation questionnaire, a psychological interview, self-assessment forms, a health examination and monitoring of physical activity. To enable comparisons, many of the survey questions in the Life Situation Questionnaire were identical to those used in previous phases. The survey also examines lifestyle, personal views and the use of information technology.

First, the respondents were asked questions on their education, work situation, and retirement, as well as the time spent on paid work, household tasks and other activities. The participants were invited to describe their work situation since 2010, report any periods of unemployment and assess their job satisfaction. Housing and income were explored through general questions on living arrangements and monthly earnings, and information was gathered on the spouse's employment status and job title.

Family and other relationships were mapped by asking about partnerships, children and grandchildren, and who shares the household. Questions also covered support networks, the number of close friends and satisfaction with current friendships. The level of social support was assessed by asking whether the respondent had someone with whom they could discuss personal matters and problems. Statements concerning parental responsibility for the world and future generations, as well as satisfaction with life choices, were presented for comment.

Leisure activities were surveyed by asking how often, during the past six months, the respondents had read or attended concerts, exhibitions or bars. Further questions explored hobbies such as DIY, singing in a group or playing an instrument, and assessed physical activity levels. The respondents ranked work, leisure, home and friends according to the satisfaction each provided. Their relationship with technology was examined by asking which devices (computer, tablet, smartphone) they used and how much time was spent on these for work and leisure. Questions also probed attitudes towards and dependence on internet use and gaming.

Alcohol consumption was explored through several questions, including the amount consumed, reasons for drinking and for reducing intake, and any problems resulting from alcohol use. Smoking habits were assessed by asking how often respondents smoked and how soon after waking they had their first cigarette. Perceived health was examined by asking respondents to evaluate their own health and functioning. They were also asked to list symptoms experienced during the past six months and illnesses diagnosed by a doctor over the past ten years, as well as their use of medication.

Personal views were gathered through a series of attitude statements. The respondents were asked whether they had achieved their goals, were satisfied with themselves and believed in their ability to influence their own development. Self-image was explored through questions such as whether they felt despair, had strong willpower or approached matters with confidence. They were also presented with personality descriptions to compare with themselves, for example whether they considered themselves reliable and balanced, energetic and active, timid and tense, or quiet and withdrawn. Further questions addressed the importance and significance of various aspects of life, such as art, technology, religion or social work. The respondents were asked whether they felt able to influence changes in their lives and how they viewed the future. They were invited to reflect on how much they believed their future depended on factors such as themselves, their past, external circumstances, luck, fate or God. Finally, they were asked how much they feared future challenges such as financial difficulties, relationship problems or environmental pollution, and how important they considered different aspects for the future, such as financial success, relationships, health or cultural life.

Background variable used: the respondent's gender.