Association of Family Type with Happiness Attributes Among Older Adults: 2017 Korean Community Health Survey Analysis

Abstract

This study used secondary data from the 2017 Korean Community Health Survey to compare the associations of socio-physical environment, social support networks, and social activities with happiness among older adults with three different family types. As per the results, there was a significant difference in happiness index between the three groups (F = 86.688, p < .001). Older adults living alone (odds ratio (OR) = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.57–0.99) and those living with family (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.65–0.99) showed greater happiness as the frequency of contact with family increased. Older adults living with only their spouse showed an increase in happiness when their contact with friends was higher (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.56–0.84). It was confirmed that there were differences in factors influencing happiness according to the family type of the older adults in this study. Therefore, the happiness of older adults needs to be adequately ensured, while considering their various circumstances, including family type.

The Impact of Living Arrangements and Social Capital on the Well-Being of the Elderly

“…Hwang and Sim [30] found that elderly people who lived with their spouses reported higher levels of well-being compared to those living with their family or alone. Our results do not support those findings.…”

“…Jheng [29] indicated that interpersonal networks, social capital, and social connections are positively and significantly correlated with psychological well-being. Hwang and Sim [30] evaluated participation in social activities, including religious, leisure, and charitable activities and social belongingness. The findings indicated that those who regularly participated in various activities were more likely to experience greater well-being.…”

“…Based on previous studies on the well-being of the elderly ( [30,52,53], etc. ), the influencing variables include the personal attributes of elderly people, their housing attributes, living arrangements (choice of aging in place location), and social capital (including social activities and social support).…”

“…With regard to social activities, Hwang and Sim [30] found that elderly people living with their spouses expressed an increase in well-being when they had more interactions with friends. The support received by elderly people from their family and friends and their life satisfaction were predictors of their well-being.…”

“…With regard to social support, Hwang and Sim [30] provide evidence that neighbors are a strong support system for elderly people who live alone or with their spouses, mainly because loneliness can be reduced through their interactions. Based on the social support questionnaires designed by [68,69], social support in this study includes support from a spouse and informational, emotional, and instrumental support; it is measured on a five-point Likert scale.…”