Relationship between morality, happiness, and social support among elderly people

Abstract

Background Various factors influence the lives of elders, such as social support, which is critical in preventing physical, psychological, and social difficulties. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between morality, happiness, and social support among elderly people. A descriptive correlational design was used in carrying out this study. This study was conducted at the Geriatric Social Club in El-Qawmia; Zagzig City, Alsharkia Governorate. A purposeful sample of 235 elders was recruited for this study. Four tools were used to collect data: A structured interview questionnaire, Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (interview version), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. Results Results denoted that less than half of studied elders had moderate score as regards morale scale and perceived social support. As well, less than three-fifths of them had moderate score regards total happiness. There were statistically significant relations between morality and both of age, income, chronic diseases, and taking medication. Perceived social support was positively statistically significantly related with elders’ gender, marital status, chronic diseases, medication, and income. There were statistical significant relations between elderly happiness level and working condition, income, and with whom they live. Elders’ perceived social support was highly positively statistically correlated with happiness and morality. Conclusions It was concluded that these variables were positively correlated with each one, where increasing perceived social support and feeling of happiness associated with enhancing feeling of morality among elders. The perceived social support and happiness were the key co-existences of elders’ morality. Therefore, it is recommended to implement caring and training programs focusing on enhancing social support in order to develop morale among elders. The country should provide various kinds of assistance to the elderly, such as counseling services.

The relationship between social support and happiness in older adults referred to health centers in Zarrin Shahr, Iran

“…Related to RO4, one of the results of the study was that there were significant gender differences in social support. In the study of Ahmed, 2022, similar to our results, there was a significant difference [ 25 ]. This relationship has been shown in other studies [ 26 , 27 ].…”

“…The average happiness score of the respondents was 45.40 which was similar to some studies [ 13 ]. But this average was more in some other studies [ 25 ]. This difference may be due to the difference in samples, their average age and geographical difference (Egypt), and various factors affecting happiness in their research.…”

“…In this study the average score of social support was close to some studies [ 13 ]. But in the study of Ahmed, 2022, the average score of social support for older adults was more, which may be due toc the use of a different social support scale that was used in this research [ 25 ]. The average happiness score of the respondents was 45.40 which was similar to some studies [ 13 ].…”

“…Marital status also had a significant influence on social support. In many studies, the effect of marital status on social support has been found [ 13 , 25 , 26 , 28 , 29 ]. Marriage and having emotional relationships create a sense of affection, love, and sympathy, which are examples of social support and seek satisfaction and peace.…”

“…One of the effective factors related to happiness in various research has been social support [ 13 , 21 , 22 ]. Social support is provided by a network of people and social groups and increases the level of happiness [ 23 ].…”