Factors Associated with Feelings of Happiness among the Elderly

Abstract

Background & Aim: Happiness is one of the most urgent natural and psychological demands of human beings and because of its major impact on the health and development of society, the human' mind has always been busy about it. This study seeks to determine the factors associated with elderly happiness in Ilam city. Material & Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study with predictive-correlational design. The sample consisted of 370 elderlies of Ilam city who were recruited by systematic random sampling. Data was collected in 2014 by a three part questionnaire including (1) personal characteristics sheet (2) a researcher made questionnaire to measure aggression, adaptation strategies, social capital, religious orientation, relative deprivation and alienation variables (3) and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (29 items version) and was analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA and multiple regression using SPSS-PC (v.18). Results: The findings revealed that the respondents' happiness was moderate (92/53). A significant direct correlation was found between social capital (r=0/457), income (r=0/344), and adaptation strategies (r=0/275) and happiness (p<0/005). There were also a significant indirect relationship between alienation (r=-0/484), aggression (r=-0/399), relative deprivation (r=-0/325), and happiness (p<0/005). No significant relationship was found between religious orientation and happiness. Stepwise regression analysis showed that the variables of income, social capital and aggression have explained almost 49 percent (r 2 =0/49) of happiness variations (P< 0/00). Conclusion: Regarding the findings and considering the growing population of elderlies in this city it is suggested that appropriate approaches be applied to strengthening the positive factors and adjusting the negative factors related to the feelings of happiness in this population.

The effectiveness of an educational intervention to enhance happiness in Iranian older people: Applying social support theory

“…The first included demographic questions such as age, sex, marital status, occupation, literacy level, income and family dimension, and the second part consisted of the Persian version of Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ). The OHQ includes 29 items and has been demonstrated a good validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha of 0.93) . Scoring in this questionnaire was on a four‐point Likert‐type scale ranged from 0: quite unhappy to 3: quite happy, with a minimum total score of 0 expressing low happiness and a maximum score of 87 standing for the highest range of happiness.…”

“…The OHQ includes 29 items and has been demonstrated a good validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha of 0.93). 1 Scoring in this questionnaire was on a four-point Likert-type scale ranged from 0: quite unhappy to 3: quite happy, with a minimum total score of 0 expressing low happiness and a maximum score of 87 standing for the highest range of happiness. The normal score was between 40 and 42.…”

“…According to Argyle, happiness is considered as a positive inner experience and the highest motivation for all human behaviours . Thus, having a longer life, being endowed with better and more beneficial social relationships, coping with difficult and tough situations effectively and being more creative, successful and inclined to assist others are among the characteristics of happy individuals . Montazeri et al reported that happiness in Iranians aged 18‐65 years is at a moderate level, in which a 1% decline for each year of age increase was obvious.…”

“…Ageing is a demographic, economic and social problem in Iran, which can impair the quality of life for older adults. 1 According to statistical estimates, Iran's rate of population growth in those over 60 years has increased; it is estimated to reach 9.2% by 2020. 2 Given physical and mental abilities, older adult's vulnerability is of increasing concern.…”

Association between Perceived Social Support and Happiness among Community-dwelling Elderly Adult

“…Due to changes caused by aging, perceived social support plays a vital role in the lives of the elderly [22]. Social support is associated with the improvement and development of psychological adjustment mechanisms and helps the elderly to feel secure, relaxed and attached in stressful conditions [23]. According to the literature in Iran, the effect of perceived social support on elderly happiness seems to be less studied.…”