FACTORS PREDICTING HAPPINESS AMONG ELDERLY PEOPLE

Abstract

This research was based on a predictive correlation research design aimed at determining the predictive factors of happiness among elderly people. The subjects were 102 town municipality members aged 60 and older adults living in Surin Province selected by cluster sampling. A general health questionnaire, a self-esteem assessment, a demographic questionnaire and Thai happiness indicators were used as data collection instruments. The reliability of the questionnaires ranged from 0.82-0.94 by using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Percentage, mean, standard deviation, correlation and multiple regressions were used for data analysis.

According to the findings, most of the subjects had a poor level of happiness, health, and income. In addition, income could predict happiness at a rate of six percent (R2. .06, P<.01). The results showed that health and self-esteem were able to co-predict happiness at a rate of 14.2 percent (R2..142, P<.001).

The recommendations from this study suggest that mental health care providers should be concerned about the self-esteem and health of the older persons in regard to developing proper interventions and/or activities aimed at promoting the continuum of happiness among the older adults in the town municipality.