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This study investigates the association between the intergenerational geographic proximity of adult children and the well-being of older persons in China. Data from the 2014 wave of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey was analyzed using probit analysis. Results reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between the geographic proximity of adult children and the well-being of older people in urban but not rural areas. Older adults who live independently but with adult children living close by have significantly higher life satisfaction than those who live with or at a distance from their children. The findings suggest that more comprehensive top-level policy designs with respect to the allocation and management of affordable housing should be employed to encourage nearby-living and hence improve the system for supporting older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to identify the factors associated with the subjective well-being of older adults in Abu Dhabi when happiness is taken as the dependent variable. In the present research, a framework based on theoretical models was developed in which older adult's happiness was seen in a synergistic relationship and was associated with many other variables related to various domains in the social system. The sample consisted of 1,004 older adults aged 60 and above, who participated in the First Abu Dhabi General Social Survey administered in 2018. Many subjective well-being variables were considered. Path analysis was used to develop a model that incorporated the five following variables directly affecting the happiness of older adults: housing satisfaction, satisfaction with family life, satisfaction with friendships, life satisfaction, satisfaction with surrounding environment, and some psychological feelings. The study highlighted all direct and indirect associations. Further analysis of variance revealed the associations of gender, marital status, and education attainment. Implications of the study were highlighted along with future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between healthy and positive aging and dementia and cognitive impairment has received limited attention in the field of aging. Affect impacts cognitive changes and processes, and cognitive impairment is associated with affective comorbidities. The purpose of the study was to examine (a) whether happiness, helplessness, and hopelessness are linked to cognitive health status, and (b) whether these associations differ by race. Methods: Participants were enrollees in the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center's Clinical Core (ADRC). Average age at baseline was 60.85 (SD = 8.65), 73.70 (SD = 8.02), and 73.80 (SD = 9.59) years for cognitively normal individuals, individuals with MCI, and individuals with dementia, respectively. Results: In the full sample, chi-square test results revealed associations between Cognitive Health Status (CHS) and (a) happiness, χ2(2) = 6.06, p < 0.05, (b) helplessness, χ2(2) = 6.44, p < 0.05, and (c) hopelessness, χ2(2) = 14.11, p < 0.01. Conclusion: This study provides support for the association of both positive and negative affect with cognitive health status in middle- to older-aged adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As aging is associated with lower quality of life (QOL), it is important to determine overall QOL and its related factors among older adults. Studies have shown that gender plays an essential role in the perception of health across cultures. As very few studies has been conducted on gender disparity in the elderly in India. Thus, the study was conducted to assess the differences in QOL and subjective happiness between male and female community-dwelling elderly. Objectives: The study was conducted to assess the differences in QOL and subjective happiness between male and female community-dwelling elderly in India. Study Design: The study design involves a cross-sectional survey. Methods: The data were collected from community-dwelling elderly (>60 years of age) based on convenient sampling. QOL and subjective happiness were tested by World Health Organization QOL (WHOQOL)-BREF and the Subjective Happiness Questionnaire. Informed consent was taken before administering the study-specific questionnaire via mail, telephone, or in person. Only completed questionnaires were used. Data hence collected were analyzed. Results: The data were analyzed by descriptive analysis, whereas the differences between gender on QOL and happiness were computed using the t-test and Mann--Whitney test, respectively. Gender and educational qualification correlated with QOL measure WHOQOL (P = 0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.014, 0.527). Furthermore, a positive correlation (P = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.994, 0.998) was found between WHOQOL-BREF and the Subjective Happiness Questionnaire. For the overall QOL and general health section in WHOQOL-BREF, males scored a mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 3.825 ± 0.71 and 3.275 ± 1.15, whereas females scored a mean ± SD of 3.875 ± 0.56 and 3.35 ± 1.21. For the four domains of WHOQOL-BREF except for domain 4 (t = 2.17; 95% CI: 26.13, 28.06), mean ± SD (27.10 ± 4.35), (P = 0.033), and Subjective Happiness questionnaire, the differences in the means of elderly males and females were nonsignificant on Mann--Whitney test. Conclusion: This study shows that gender-related factors influence specific areas of QOL, such as females scoring less in physical and psychological factors, whereas scoring better than males in social relationship and environment areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of combined drug management and an exercise program on symptoms and the happiness levels of elderly women people living at home. This interventional study included a total of 35 women, aged 65 to 74 years, who were registered at the Family Healthcare Centre. A 14-week program was combined with exercise and drug management. Pre-test and post-test evaluations results were recorded. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form (OHQ-SF) and a sociodemographic form and Follow-Up form were used for data collection. The mean ESAS points of the symptoms of pain, tiredness, sadness, and insomnia showed a significant decrease after intervention and the sense of well-being improved (p <.001). A statistically significant increase was determined in the happiness levels of the participants after intervention. The combined program of drug management and exercise was found to be effective in raising happiness levels and reducing symptoms in elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring happiness in older adults is critical for their mental health. The purpose of the current study was to identify strategies for creating happiness in Iranian older adults. A qualitative study was performed through content analysis and deep semi-structured interviews with 18 adults age 60 and older and one family member. Participants were selected through purposeful sampling, and data were encoded using MAXQDA. Data analyses revealed 187 codes, 23 subcategories, and four main categories: (a) self-centered strategies, (b) inductive strategies, (c) passive strategies, and (d) unselfish strategies. Following the four categories of strategies may lead to happiness in Iranian older adults. Self-centered strategies seemed to achieve better results given that such strategies can be learned and require involvement of older adults themselves. [Ensuring happiness in older adults is critical for their mental health. The purpose of the current study was to identify strategies for creating happiness in Iranian older adults. A qualitative study was performed through content analysis and deep semi-structured interviews with 18 adults age 60 and older and one family member. Participants were selected through purposeful sampling, and data were encoded using MAXQDA. Data analyses revealed 187 codes, 23 subcategories, and four main categories: (a) self-centered strategies, (b) inductive strategies, (c) passive strategies, and (d) unselfish strategies. Following the four categories of strategies may lead to happiness in Iranian older adults. Self-centered strategies seemed to achieve better results given that such strategies can be learned and require involvement of older adults themselves. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 13(5), 254–263.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of an educational program based on social support theory (SST) to enhance happiness in older adults (60‐75 years) in Hamadan (Iran) in 2017. Methods: This study was a quasi‐experimental intervention with a control group, consisting of 60 participants and an intervention group of 40 participants. The research instruments included the Oxford Argyle Happiness Inventory and a questionnaire derived from SST. Results: The findings showed that there was a significant difference between the scores of happiness, social support and their components in the intervention group compared to the control group three months after the intervention. Conclusion: The study results indicate that an educational intervention to promote happiness using social support can play a pivotal role in the mental health, life satisfaction and happiness of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Regular walking exercise (RWE) is associated with increased cardiovascular fitness and might elevate subjective psychological well‐being. Positive education links positive psychology concepts with self‐efficacy through the curriculum, which helps foster well‐being. This study examines if regular walking exercise with positive education has better effects on cardiovascular fitness and happiness than RWE alone in retired older adults. Methods: Three arms of experimental design were used: pedometer walking exercise training (PWET); positive education and pedometer walking exercise training (PEPWET); and pedometer walking exercise (PWE). Trained walking exercise was provided to the PWET and PEPWET groups by a walking exercise coach three times per week, for 45 min per session for 12 weeks. Positive education was designed and led by a licensed PhD psychologist every other week. Of 150 participants, 60, 60 and 30 were randomly assigned to PWET, PEPWET and PWE, respectively. Demographic information, Chinese Happiness Inventory, RWE, and 6‐min walking distance were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: The percentage of participants who practiced RWE after 12 weeks was significantly higher in the PEPWET group (96.7%), followed by the PWET (75%) and PWE groups (40%). Cardiovascular fitness in the PWET and PEPWET groups was significantly better than in the PWE group. Chinese Happiness Inventory scores in the PWET and PEPWET groups were significantly higher than in the PWE group, and the PEPWET group also showed significantly higher Chinese Happiness Inventory scores than the PWET group. Conclusions: In addition to RWE, the study findings show that positive education can be beneficial to promote older adults' RWE, cardiovascular fitness and happiness. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 879–884. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The level of happiness of older adults is associated with their psychosocial and physical health. Currently, little is known about the predictors of happiness among older women living alone in the community. The present study aimed to identify these predictors. Methods: This was a cross‐sectional descriptive study of older women who were living alone and were registered with a social welfare center in an old urban area in South Korea. We designated various demographic factors along with health‐related information, perceived self‐esteem and depressive symptoms as independent variables predicting happiness. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis were carried out. Results: In total, 154 participants were recruited. They showed a moderate level of happiness. Furthermore, happiness was negatively correlated with the number of comorbidities, presence of pain and depressive symptoms, but positively correlated with self‐esteem. The final model in hierarchical regression showed that depressive symptoms were powerful predictors of happiness after controlling the covariates and accounted for approximately 76.7% of the total variances. Conclusions: The happiness of older women living alone was associated with their self‐esteem and depressive symptoms. Interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms and improving self‐esteem should be developed and applied to this population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 352–356. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article was to explore the motivation, experience, and reward of community elderly from their engagement in volunteer activities. This study incorporated a grounded theory research design. Purposive sampling method was used to recruit 30 elderly subjects. The results from the interviews identified the core value behind the elders' engagement in volunteer activities to be "happiness in senior life". The result also indicated that the engagement of community elderly in volunteer activities can be divided into three main categories: preparation, additional values, and getting feedback. There is an additional category between preparation and additional values for community elderly that influences their continual engagement in volunteer service, which is facing obstacles. This study can provide policy makers vital information on developing senior volunteer programs that assist community elderly to lead a happy, high self-esteemed, healthy and self-sustaining life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses how work is the key to health, happiness, and wealth. The author presents an extended example to describe how financial service professionals can redefine their work in retirement so as to provide both income and a satisfying life. Differences between men and women related to the benefits of working in retirement are briefly discussed. The author discusses the need for many to continue to work in order to pay for their increased longevity. She cites research that shows the keys to happiness are leisure, meaning, and fulfillment, with leisure being the least consequential. She also discusses how meaningful engagement contributes to longevity and mental activity. The author concludes work should be redefined as an activity that adds quality and meaning to life.

Introduction: In order to live in a world created for the sighted, older adults with visual impairment must adapt to complete vision-dependent activities that require reading, writing, and object identification. The objective of this study was to explore the occupational lives of three older adults with visual impairment. Method: A qualitative study with four interviews each and two observation sessions each was conducted with older adults with visual impairment. Data were analyzed by participant and across participants using open, axial, and selective coding. Codes were refined throughout the process yielding the themes of the study. Results: Three themes emerged from the analysis: an occupational life of doing, an occupational life rich with well-being, and an occupational life filled with motivation for independence. Participants were highly motivated to complete their occupations and activities independently. Participation in activities in the home and community environments provided participants with life satisfaction and happiness. Through problem-solving skills, adaptations, and support of family and friends, participants successfully completed their desired occupations. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of motivation and support to facilitate participation in occupations in the home and community environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between social policy and late-life happiness by analyzing the impact of the basic old-age pension on the happiness of older people in South Korea.Design/methodology/approach People aged 65 and over selected from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing are analyzed in the study.Findings It shows that the association between the basic old-age pension and the happiness of older people is negative. This may be attributable to the frugality of the benefits and the side effects of the means test.Originality/value This implies that the relationship between social policy and late-life happiness is not linear but it is affected by the context of the policy. It suggests that changing the fundamental benefit system to be more progressive can be a more useful policy option to realize the initial policy goal for recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate factors associated with happiness in a sample of Brazilian older adults. Methods A study was conducted with 263 elderly people in the area of coverage of a family health unit located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The Subjective Happiness Scale was used to measure happiness, the final score of which determined one of three outcomes: not happy, intermediate, and happy. Disability, sociodemographic characteristics, and psychological, cognitive, and physical factors were considered for the multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results Statistically significant differences were found among the three groups regarding satisfaction with life, disability, social phobia, anxiety, depression, and frailty (p ≤ 0.05). In the multinomial regression analysis, being “not happy” was significantly associated with satisfaction with life (RRR: 0.53), depression (RRR: 1.46), social phobia (RRR: 1.24), and age (RRR: 1.06). Conclusion The present findings indicate that psychological factors and age influence the levels of happiness in older adults living in the community. Furthermore, better screening, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders could increase the feeling of happiness among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated how physical health moderates the effect of housework on the perceived well-being in a sample of middle-aged and older women living with a partner in Taiwan. Two main findings were identified: First, the health status of middle-aged and older women moderates the relationship between their sense of housework fairness and perceived happiness. Second, the health status of their spouse moderates the relationship between their housework performance and perceived happiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study that reveals that older people are happier when involved in games and activities and while scoring well, as compared to being idle.

The objective of present study was to take a review of happiness and aging studies from 2000 to 2015. Researcher have assessed 63 studies through EBSCO data base and studied the factors affecting on happiness in old age. Review of literature showed that highly successful elders demonstrated higher happiness, positive affect and life satisfaction, and impaired elders showed lower level of subjective well-being. Happiest elders were more likely to be home dwelling elders than institutionalized aged. Income, age, education, social status, marriage, social, physical and cognitive abilities, social support, dissatisfaction with daily life, social isolation, religiosity, spirituality, physical attractiveness, humor, internet, personality, ways of coping and larger social network found associated with happiness in 60+ population. Detail studies have been discussed under present paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Happiness is an important indicator of mental and physical health. It has been emphasized as one kind of well-being, and its definition varies from culture to culture. The main objective of the present study was to examine the psychometric integrity and dimensions of the Chinese Happiness Inventory ( CHI) in relation to scores on Ryff's Psychological Well- Being Scale among retired older people in Taiwan. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out at social service centers in Taipei, Taiwan. Retired adults gave informed consent from September to November 2010, and completed a package of structured questionnaires measuring happiness and psychological well-being. Internal consistency, the factor structure of the CHI and criterion validity were assessed. Results Results from an exploratory factor analysis showed a three-factor solution for the CHI. These factors were named Positive Affect, Life Satisfaction and Interpersonal Relationships. Internal consistency coefficients were 0.95 ( Positive Affect), 0.91 ( Life Satisfaction), 0.85 ( Interpersonal Relationships) and 0.97 (total scale). The results of a canonical correlation analysis showed the presence of a strong relationship between CHI and Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale ( r = 0.69), and that two canonical variates could be derived from the relationship between them. Conclusions The results show that the CHI is a three-dimensional scale with high reliability and validity. The construct of happiness emphasizes relationships in relation to others and environment rather than autonomy in this sample. Although the components of happiness might be similar for Positive Affect and Life Satisfaction, their weights for Interpersonal Relationships should be considered when measuring happiness in different cultures. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 865-872. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Older age is normally associated with losses in physical, cognitive, and social domains. Despite these losses, older adults often report higher levels of well-being than do younger adults. A paucity of research in understanding the level of well-being and strategies to facilitate it. Hence, the present study is to identify the potential predictors of well-being among the elderly peoples. Therefore, this study examines the roles of emotional expressivity, loneliness, happiness, and psychological well-being. For this purpose 60 participants (Males and Females) aged 60 years and above living at home with family were were asked to provide an assessment onEmotional Expressivity Scale, Loneliness Scale Subjective Happiness Scale and Psychological Well-being.Results showed that there is a significant positive relationship between subjective happiness and psychological well-being; and loneliness and psychological well-being. From the regression analysis result reveals that Loneliness and happiness significantly predict psychological well-being. Further, findings from this study will improve the understanding of the migratory role of expressivity, happiness and well-being among elderly. We also discussed the results in detailed and suggest an appropriate intervention framework and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to examine the association between social connections and happiness among members of the elder population of Taiwan. Methods:Longitudinal panel data collected in three waves from 1999 to 2007 that are selected from national samples of Taiwanese older people were used for the analysis (n= 4731 persons). Happiness was defined as a dichotomous variable. Social connection variables included living arrangements, contacts with children/grandchildren/parents/relatives/friends, telephone contacts, providing instrumental and informational support, receiving instrumental and emotional support, and social participation. We controlled for the variables demographics, physical and mental health, economic satisfaction, and lifestyle. A generalized linear model (GLM) was applied in the analysis. Results:Happiness remained stable over time. Receiving more emotional support and participating in social events were related to happiness at the beginning, while the effect of social participation was offset over time. Living arrangements, telephone contacts, providing social support, and receiving instrumental support were not significant. Conclusion:The quality of social relationships experienced is possibly more important than the quantity of social interaction for older people, and having social relationships outside the informal social network may increase happiness. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose To define the socioeconomic and demographic determinants for self-rated health and happiness for Turkish elderly (≥60) using the World Values Survey (WVS) database. Methods WVS data for Turkey covering 23 years (1990–2013) with five separate cross-sections (1990, 1996, 2001, 2007, 2013) were pooled for analysis ( n = 870). Dependent variables were self-rated health (SRH) and perception of happiness.Their relation with age, sex, number of children, marital status, income, education, employment status and class perception were evaluated. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were used. Regression coefficients and their standard errors were derived to calculate odds ratios. Results Mean age was 66.96 ± 5.78 (60–91), 58.16% were male and 76.32% were married. The majority (61.10%) was at lowest income level and 80.60% had education attainment at primary level or below. Very happy/quite happy were 81.77% while only 46.59% perceived their health as very good/good. The crisis year (2001) increased the risk of bad self-rated health 4.4 times, being a women 2.0 times, while being a widow had a 2.3-fold, low-income 3.0-fold effect. The odds for unhappy status was increased 4.3 times at low-income levels and 8.4 times for the divorced/separate living partners. Happiness state improved after crisis period. Conclusion SRH and happiness of Turkish elderly bare demographic and socioeconomic inequalities. The inexistence of a partner, being a women, low-income level and major threats for it, like economic crisis, are important drivers for elderly health and happiness. To improve well-being of elderly, better social policies for income is essential and at economic crisis times, support policies should be prioritized for vulnerable groups, including elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This research was intended to understand the family relationships of adults with compromised functional capacity. Materials and Methods: It is an exploratory, descriptive study with a qualitative approach, based on the oral history method. The sample included 15 elderly adults who were being assisted by a family health unit, were living with family members, and had compromised functional capacity. The data were collected between March and April 2012, through in-depth interviews. The subject categories were: good family relationships, changes in family relationships, feeling of being a nuisance to the family, and feeling abandoned or neglected by the family. Result: The study found that elderly adults with compromised functional capacity experience a variety of feelings that range from joy, because they are respected and their needs are met, to sadness and shock over their family's negative adjustment to the situation and by being abandoned or neglected by their children. Conclusion: The dynamics of the family relationships of elderly adults change significantly when the person's functional capacity is compromised. With this in mind, health professionals, especially nurses, must recognize the challenges the family faces and be prepared to guide and train family members to satisfy the demands of caring for an elderly relative with compromised functional capacity and to favor rendering the care that is needed without jeopardizing family relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:Little is known about whether the feeling of happiness follows the age-related decline in physical and mental functioning. The objective of this study was to analyze differences with age in physical and mental functions and in the feeling of happiness among Danes aged 45 years and older. Method:Three Danish population-based surveys including 11,307 participants aged 45+ years, of whom 2411 were in the age group of 90+, were conducted in the period 1995–2001. The participation rate in the three surveys was between 63% and 82% and the same design and the same instrument were used. Self-reported mobility, a cognitive composite score, and a depression symptomatology score including a question about happiness were assessed.T-score metric was used to compare across domains and age groups. Results:Overall, successively older age groups performed worse than the youngest age group (45–49 years), and the estimated linear decline was greater after age 70 than before age 70. For example, when comparing the oldest age group (90+ years) with the youngest, theT-score differences were found to be the largest for the mobility score (men: 40.2, women: 41.4), followed by the cognitive function (men: 22.0, women: 24.9), and the total depression symptomatology score (men: 15.5, women: 17.4). Conversely, theT-score difference in happiness was small (men: 5.6, women: 6.0). Conclusion:Despite markedly poorer physical and mental functions with increasing age, in this Danish sample age did not seem to affect happiness to a similarly notable extent, although, in this study, cohort and age effects cannot be disentangled. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper aims to consider whether there is a link between youth happiness levels and adult life satisfaction. Our results are unequivocal that such a link exists both because demographic and socio-economic conditions are persistent over a lifetime and also because there is a persistence in personality effects. To test this link, we estimate a model of happiness for a sample of young people. This model provides us with a range of variables measuring socio-economic effects and personality effects amongst young people. These variables are then included in the adult life satisfaction model. The model is estimated using data from the British Household Panel Survey for 1994-2008. In addition to childhood happiness levels influencing adult life satisfaction significantly, we also find that the youthful personality trait for happiness has a larger effect on adult life satisfaction than demographic and socio-economic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary This randomized-controlled trial investigated the effect of physical exercise programme (PEP) on happiness among older adults in Nowshahr, Iran., Results of this study on 120 male and female volunteers showed that an 8-week group physical exercise programme was significantly effective in older adults' happiness., Findings showed that physical exercise programme is so beneficial for increasing older adults' happiness., Abstract Physical activity is associated with well-being and happiness. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an 8-week long physical exercise programme ( PEP) on happiness among older adults in Nowshahr, Iran. This was a randomized control trial study. The participants consisted of a group of 120 male and female volunteers (mean ± SD age: 71 ± 5.86 years) in a convenience sampling among older adults in public parks in Nowshahr, Iran. We randomly allocated them into experimental ( n = 60) and control ( n = 60) groups. A validated instrument was used to measure well-being and happiness [ Oxford Happiness Inventory ( OHI)]. Respondents were asked to complete the OHI before and 2 months after implementing PEP. The 8-week PEP was implemented with the intervention group. The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using paired t-test, Fisher's exact test and χ2. Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the happiness mean score between the case and control groups; however, after implementing PEP, happiness significantly improved among the experimental group ( P = 0.001) and did not improve within the control group ( P = 0.79). It can be concluded that PEP had positive effects on happiness among older adults. Planning and implementing of physical activity is so important for older happiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This systematic literature review aims at providing a reliable overview of the variables that influence older adults' subjective well-being (SWB) and provides suggestions for future research. Mehods: A computerized literature search was carried out and PubMed/Medline, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection and Scielo databases were searched from 2001 to 2012. Studies must have mentioned variables that influenced SWB as comprising its cognitive and affective facets. Results: Fourteen articles from 616 records, met inclusion criteria, with a total of 17,097 participants with ages 60 and over. There are rather consistent findings that social support, health, lifestyle, socio-demographic and psychological variables and coping strategies influence older adults' SWB. Conclusions: Findings provide support for specific correlates of SWB in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Various positive psychology interventions have been experimentally tested, but only few studies addressed the effects of such activities in participants aged 50 and above. Method: We tested the impact of four self-administered positive psychology interventions in an online setting (i.e., gratitude visit, three good things, three funny things, and using signature strengths in a new way) on happiness and depressive symptoms in comparison with a placebo control exercise (i.e., early memories). A total of 163 females aged 50–79 tried the assigned interventions or the placebo control exercise for one week and completed measures on happiness and depressive symptoms at five times (pre- and post-test, 1, 3, and 6 months). Results: Three out of the four interventions (i.e., gratitude visit, three good things, and using signature strengths in a new way) increased happiness, whereas two interventions (three funny things and using signature strengths in a new way) led to a reduction of depressive symptoms on at one post-measure. Conclusion: Positive psychology interventions yield similar results for people aged 50 and above as for younger people. The dissemination of such interventions via the Internet offers a valuable opportunity for older age groups as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:The purposes of this study were to examine if physical activity (PA) is associated to happiness and to investigate if social functioning and health status mediate this association. Method:Participants of this cross-sectional study were 323 men and women, age 60 or over, who were covered by the medical insurance of the French National Education System, France. They received by mail a self-report questionnaire that asked for information about general health, PA, and happiness. Results:In multinomial logistic regressions, the total volume of PA was associated to higher levels of happiness, but this association disappeared in the presence of social functioning. A structural equation modelling (SEM) showed an indirect association between PA and happiness, which was mediated by participants’ health status and social functioning; in this SEM model, social functioning was the only variable directly associated to happiness. Conclusion:Complex associations among PA, health status, and social functioning appear to determine happiness levels in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There is evidence that having a stronger sense of positive well-being may be a potential resource for healthier aging as represented by slower physical decline, reduced risk of frailty and longer survival. However, it is unclear whether positive well-being is protective of another crucial component of healthy aging, cognitive function, or whether it has a bidirectional relationship with cognitive function. We use multilevel models with within-person centering to estimate the within- and between-person association between cognitive function and positive well-being in 4 waves of data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), (N = 10985, aged 50-90 years at wave 1). Our findings show that, although most variation in cognitive function was explained by age, and most variation in well-being was explained by depression, small but significant associations between cognition and well-being remained after variation in age and depression were controlled. In models where cognition was the outcome, the association was mainly because of variation in mean levels of well-being between persons. In models where well-being was the outcome, the association was mainly because of within-person fluctuation in cognitive test performance. Exercise and depression were the most important moderating influences on the association between cognition and positive well-being. Depression had greater effect upon this association for those with higher well-being, but exercise protected cognitive performance against the adverse effects of lower well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although research suggests that positive psychology intervention can enhance subjective well-being and reduce depression, its effectiveness on older adults remains largely unknown. Therefore the present study aimed to develop and evaluate a custom-tailored positive psychology intervention program for older adults. The program offered nine-week group sessions to 74 older people recruited from district community centers and nursing homes in Hong Kong. The intervention program covers eight themes, including optimism, gratitude, savoring, happiness, curiosity, courage, altruism, and meaning of life. The participants consisted mostly of females aged between 63 and 105 years. One-group pre-test/post-test design was adopted to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on depression, life satisfaction, gratitude, and happiness. Results revealed that the intervention reduced the number of depressive symptoms and increased the levels of life satisfaction, gratitude, and happiness. Effectiveness of the intervention is discussed in relation to self-awareness, education, self-reinforcement, and sensitivity to age and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives:Evidence supports that subjective well-being (SWB) diminishes in the old age and that this decline is strongly determined by elders’ psychosocial resources. This study explored person-centred, multidimensional, empirically-derived profiles of psychosocial functioning in the elderly and related each trajectory to differing configurations of SWB.Method:A community-based, convenience sample of Spanish institutionalised and non-institutionalised elders voluntarily participated in this cross-sectional study.Results:A cluster analysis produced three within-person psychosocial profiles characterised by distinct patterns of functioning:highly successful eldersdemonstrated to be healthy, highly confident in their own resources and very active in daily life;moderately successful eldersdemonstrated average functioning across domains, although they expected decreases in the future; andhighly impaired elderswere ill and stressed, at a high risk for future health problems and depression, and tried to compensate for their status mainly through social support. Each of these profiles was related differently to SWB configurations: highly successful elders demonstrated significantly higher happiness, positive affect, affect balance and life satisfaction; moderately successful elders showed average levels of SWB but decreased positive affect; and highly impaired elders demonstrated dramatically lower SWB. Furthermore, such trajectories were associated with the elders’ living condition. The happiest elders were more likely to be home-dwelling elders; however, there were fewer unhappy elders among those who were institutionalised.Conclusion:A person-centred approach to assessing psychosocial and SWB configurations provides a rich picture of individual differences in the ageing processes and can help in designing interventions aimed at enhancing happiness in old age. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article defines friendship and explains the unique features of friendship ties as well as changes and continuities in these ties over the life span. It also addresses how friendship contributes to both mental and physical health and how friends might interfere with health and well-being. And it offers suggestions about promoting friendship and including friends in care plans for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hans Becker, originally a professor at the Erasmus School of Economics in Rotterdam, is a seemingly unlikely guru for elderly care. In 1992 he was appointed Chair of the Rotterdam-based housing association Humanitas with the task of overturning the outmoded and failing commercial model of its nursing homes. He set about replacing them with 'apartments for life' that promoted independent living. In order to understand more about the successful Humanitas model, David Birkbeck, Chief Executive of Design for Homes in the UK, interviewed Becker and found out how the move to a new housing type was enabled by a philosophical shift that placed an emphasis on the engendering of happiness among its residents - with food and the creation of convivial on-site restaurant facilities proving a critical tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to explore the effects of family cohesion and subjective happiness on death anxiety of Korean elders and to identify other factors contributing to death anxiety. Methods: The participants were 280 elders who lived in P metropolitan city. Data were collected between November 5, 2011 and January 12, 2012 using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ), Family Cohesion Evaluation Scale, Subjective Happiness Scale, and Fear of Death Scale (FODS). Data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 19.0 program. Results: Family cohesion, marital status, religious activity, perceived health status, and subjective happiness were included in the factors affecting death anxiety of Korean elders. These variables explained 50.1% of death anxiety. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that these variables should be considered in developing nursing intervention programs to decrease death anxiety and increase family cohesion and subjective happiness for life integration in Korean elders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Three generations under one roof' is an old Chinese saying used to describe a desired living arrangement. The traditional concept of happiness for a Chinese elderly person is being able to 'play with grandchildren with candy in mouth, enjoy life with no cares.' In a fast-changing economy like China, how does society, especially the elderly themselves, view these traditional values? Using the 2005 Chinese General Social Survey, we study the determinants of happiness of the Chinese elderly. We are particularly interested in whether living with their child and whether living with their grandchild affect the happiness of the elderly. An important empirical concern is that unobserved permanent income may affect both the living arrangements of the elderly and their level of happiness. We include property ownership variables as proxies and also adopt an instrument variable approach to identify the causal relationship between the elderly's happiness and their living arrangements. We find that, conditional on living with a grandchild, living with one's child has a negative effect on the elderly's happiness. Furthermore, elderly Chinese who live with grandchildren are associated with a much higher degree of happiness than their counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examined the relationships between family relations and life satisfaction between the two groups of older people with different hukous in Putian, Fujian, China. Five factors related to family relations: family support network, satisfaction with family support, family harmony, filial support and filial discrepancy, were included in the study. A total of 532 valid questionnaires, 263 and 269 being filled in by older people with agricultural and non-agricultural hukous, respectively, were obtained. Bivariate analyses indicated that five factors were correlated significantly with life satisfaction for both groups of older people. The results of hierarchical regression analyses showed that when controlling for socio-demographic variables, filial support was associated with life satisfaction for both groups of older people; satisfaction with family support and filial discrepancy was only associated with life satisfaction among older people with agricultural hukous; family harmony only contributed to explaining life satisfaction among older people with non-agricultural hukous. The present study confirmed some previous empirical findings, which indicated the importance of family relations to older people's lives, and extended our understanding about the correlates of life satisfaction for the two groups of older people with different hukous in China. Limitations and direction of future studies were also addressed. Meanwhile, the policy and practice implications of the study were discussed in the context of China's social and economic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although the factors that influence people's perception of happiness have long been a focus for scholars, research to date has not offered conclusive findings on the relationships between income, age and happiness. This study examined the relationship between money and happiness across age groups. Analysing data from United States General Social Surveys from 1972 to 2006, this study finds that even after controlling for all the major socio-demographic variables, income (whether household income or personal equivalised income) had a significant positive association with happiness for young and middle-age adults, but it was not the same case with older adults. After controlling for the major socio-demographic variables, there was no evidence of a significant relationship between income (whichever definition) and happiness for older adults. The results also showed that the effect of household income on happiness was significantly smaller for older adults than for young or middle-age adults in the model controlling for major socio-demographic variables. The relationship between household income and happiness no longer differed significantly across age groups after social comparison variables were included. The relationship between equivalised income and happiness did not vary significantly by age group after controlling for the major socio-demographic variables. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: The study considers the social networks of older Americans, a population for whom there have been few studies of social network type. It also examines associations between network types and well-being indicators: loneliness, anxiety, and happiness. Design and Methods: A subsample of persons aged 65 years and older from the first wave of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project was employed (N = 1,462). We applied K-means cluster analysis to derive social network types using 7 criterion variables. In the multivariate stage, the well-being outcomes were regressed on the network type construct and on background and health characteristics by means of logistic regression. Results: Five social network types were derived: “diverse,” “friend,” “congregant,” “family,” and “restricted.” Social network type was found to be associated with each of the well-being indicators after adjusting for demographic and health confounders. Respondents embedded in network types characterized by greater social capital tended to exhibit better well-being in terms of less loneliness, less anxiety, and greater happiness. Implications: Knowledge about differing network types should make gerontological practitioners more aware of the varying interpersonal milieus in which older people function. Adopting network type assessment as an integral part of intake procedures and tracing network shifts over time can serve as a basis for risk assessment as well as a means for determining the efficacy of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The goal was to adapt and to conduct the preliminary validation of the Scale of Happiness of the Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUNSH). Three hundred elderly (Maule, Chile) of more than 65 years (M = 72,8; DS = 5,71), answered the MUNSH, the Life Satisfaction Scale of Diener (ESV), and the Abbreviated Geriatric Depression Scale of Yesavage (EGADY). The MUNSH reached a Cronbach's alpha consistency of 0.90, and correlated positively with the ESV (r = 0.623) and negatively with the EGADY (r = -0.746), demonstrating appropriate convergent validity. A factor analysis revealed a multifactorial structure for the MUNSH with a single factor explaining 31,7 % of the variance. The data collected with the MUNSH are analyzed in terms of age and sex differences and separate normative scores are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Recent studies indicate that happiness increases with age, except in those with dementia-related diseases. We investigated the relationship between cognitive decline and happiness, hypothesising that this relationship is modified by social networks and depression. Method: The 10/66 study involved cross-sectional representative surveys of residents aged 65+ in India, China and Latin America. 14,769 (98.7%) participants answered the single item happiness measure. We used the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia, and the Geriatric Mental State to identify depression. Results: 12,150 (82.3%) participants reported they were very or fairly happy. Better cognition was associated with greater happiness, after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and physical disability (t=3.3, p =0.001). This association was no longer significant after controlling for social network type as a main effect (t=1.9, p =0.06) and as an interaction term with cognition (t=0.07, p =0.94). People with more cognitive impairment were happier if they had “family dependent” rather than “private” social networks characterised by minimal social contact (β=−1.0, p <0.001). Limitations: This is a cross-sectional survey, so we cannot show direction of causality. Conclusion: Most of the older people reported that they were very or fairly happy, and happiness increased with age. Cognitive impairment was not associated with unhappiness after controlling for the modifying effect of social network type. Unhappiness is therefore not inevitable in those with cognitive loss, and supporting social networks are important in maintaining happiness. Trials of interventions to strengthen social support in those with cognitive impairment are indicated to determine whether this approach promotes happiness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]