Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the effect of health literacy on life satisfaction among older adults, focusing on the mediating role of self-efficacy. Research design, data and methodology: Data from 3,444 adults aged 65 and older were analyzed using the 2021 Korea Health Panel. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine the causal relationships, controlling for gender, age, education, and chronic disease status. Results: Health literacy has a significant positive effect on life satisfaction. Self-efficacy partially mediates this relationship, with statistically significant indirect effects. Age and chronic disease negatively impact life satisfaction, while education has a positive association. Conclusions: Enhancing health literacy and self-efficacy among older adults can contribute to improved life satisfaction. The findings provide essential evidence for developing targeted health promotion interventions and policies. Future longitudinal studies are suggested to confirm these relationships.