Religious Activity and Life Satisfaction among Older Adults: Parallel Mediation Effects of Social Activities and Social Relationships

This study examined the pathways through which religious activity influences life satisfaction among older adults, with a particular focus on the parallel mediating roles of social activities and social relationships. Using nationally representative survey data from 5,246 Korean adults aged 65 years and older, religious activity was classified into four types based on religious affiliation and level of participation. Structural equation modeling with bootstrapping was employed to test the direct and indirect effects. The results indicated that higher levels of religious activity are positively associated with life satisfaction, both directly and indirectly. Social activities and social relationships each exerted significant mediating effects, operating in parallel rather than sequentially. Specifically, older adults with higher levels of religious activity reported greater engagement in social activities and stronger social relationships, which in turn are associated with higher life satisfaction. The mediating effect of social activities was consistently stronger than that of social relationships, although both pathways were statistically significant. These findings suggest that religious activity contributes to later-life well-being not only through personal belief systems but also by facilitating social participation and strengthening interpersonal ties. The study highlights the importance of considering multiple social mechanisms simultaneously when examining the role of religion in the quality of life of older adults. It offers implications for community-based interventions that promote active, socially connected aging.