Final answer:
The correct answer is option a) health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The text suggests that the most important determinant of satisfaction in older adulthood is the amount of social interaction. This conclusion aligns with socioemotional selectivity theory, which posits that while the number of social connections may dwindle as one ages, the quality of these connections often deepens. Further supporting this, researchers have found that strong social relationships significantly enhance subjective well-being, health, and longevity, highlighting the vital role of social connectedness and social support in positive aging.
Comprehensive studies have revealed that having close relationships, such as those with friends and family, can lead to happiness, fulfillment, and good health. In particular, adults who maintain positive relationships often identify themselves strongly through these connections, with significant positive impacts on their well-being. The exchange theory suggests that maintaining these social connections may require resource management; however, nonmaterial assets like love and friendship are also essential and cherished in older adulthood.
Overall, while factors like health, money, and marital status undoubtedly play a role in life satisfaction, the prevailing evidence places a high premium on the role of social interactions and the support they provide, making it a central component of well-being in later years.