Satisfaction of Small Russian Cities' Residents with the Quality of Their Lives: A Case Study of Perm Krai

The problem of population satisfaction with the quality of life is considered. The subjective perception by a person of the quality of his life is an important internal factor that affects his social well-being, satisfaction with his position, prospects, and individual spheres of society. Improving the quality of life of the population is one of the primary tasks of the authorities. Therefore, the analysis of the population's assessment of the quality of certain aspects of their lives is important for federal and local authorities to determine priority areas of social policy, develop strategies and work plans of state institutions of various departments, etc. The article presents the results of a comparative study of differences in the subjective perception of various indicators of quality of life and satisfaction with various areas of life of people of different age groups. N.V. Panina's "Life Satisfaction Index", I. Karler's technique to study the degree of satisfaction with one's functioning in various fields, the Russified version of "MOS SF-36" for assessing the quality of life were used as research tools. The study was conducted in the cities of the Upper Kama region (the north of Perm Krai). The sample size was 600 people. Respondents are representatives of three age groups. Men and women are in equal proportions. Group distribution was carried out on the basis of the age classification proposed by the Institute of Age Physiology of the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of the USSR: adolescence (17- to 21-year-olds); maturity (middle age (36- to 55-year-olds); elderly age (56-to 75-year-olds). Groups were equalized in quantitative composition. It has been revealed that among the residents of small regional cities, regardless of age, the general level of satisfaction with the quality of life is at an average level, among older people there is a tendency to a lower level. Life satisfaction and quality of life indicators decline with age. There are no statistically significant differences in the general life satisfaction index for people of different age groups. However, some indicators of quality of life revealed significant differences. In each age group, there is a certain resource sphere of life, the successful functioning of which is the basis of satisfaction, stability, and success. It is a marital relationship for the elderly, a professional sphere for middle-aged people, a social sphere for young people. The data obtained can help to define the priorities of social policy in regions, can be used in the development of socially-oriented technologies and programs aimed at improving of the living conditions of people.

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