Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between depression and life satisfaction among the baby boomer generation in South Korea and to determine the potential moderating effect of social support on this relationship. A total of 2,251 people born between 1955 and 1963 were analyzed using the 2017 Korean Retirement and Income Study (KReIS), nationally representative longitudinal datasets. Life satisfaction was regressed on depression while gender, education, marital status, self-rated health, age, and annual household income were controlled. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine the moderating effect of social support. Our findings suggest that lower levels of depression and greater perceived social support were directly associated with higher levels of life satisfaction. We also found that social support acts as a buffer that decreases the negative influence of depression on life satisfaction. The baby boomers with high social support were more likely to be satisfied with their life even when they faced depression, compared to those with low social support. Higher education, better health, and financial security were also positively associated with life satisfaction. Many Korean baby boomers have entered the retirement phase of their lives. In this transition period, they are more vulnerable to psychological health risks such as stress and depression. Therefore, it is crucial that they maintain a high level of social support to prevent these issues.