Association between Happiness and Economic Status among Older Adults in Two Myanmar Regions

Abstract

Few studies have examined whether objective or subjective economic status (ES) has a greater association with the happiness of older adults, despite concerns regarding the growing economic cost of morbidity and their functional dependence in developing countries with aging populations. Thus, this study examined whether objective/subjective ES was associated with happiness in older adults in two Myanmar regions. A multistage random sampling procedure and face-to-face interviews were conducted in the urban and rural areas of Myanmar. The happiness of 1200 participants aged >60 years was evaluated using a single happiness score ranging from 0 (very unhappy) to 10 (very happy). The wealth index, used as an objective ES, was calculated from 17 household asset items, such as radio, washing machines, and television. Subjective ES was assessed by asking “Which of the following best describes your current financial situation in light of general economic conditions?” Responses ranged from “very difficult” to “very comfortable”. Both low objective and subjective ES were negatively associated with happiness, after adjusting for confounding variables and stratification by region (urban and rural areas). Although objective and subjective ES had similar associations with happiness in urban areas, subjective ES had a stronger association in rural areas.

Association between Internet use and depressive symptoms among older adults in two regions of Myanmar: a cross-sectional study

“…Multi-stage random sampling was conducted in the two regions. Further details can be found in the previous studies [12][13][14].…”

“…Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to the interviews. This study conformed to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki [ 14 , 21 ].…”

Level of happiness and its association with food literacy among Seoul citizens: results from Seoul Food Survey 2021

“…Positive emotions, such as happiness, are essential because they promote health, prevent disease, and significantly impact life [ 1 2 ]. Numerous factors, including age, social relationships, education, and economic status, can affect happiness [ 3 4 ]. For example, less stressed people generally had a partner or a lover, were physically active, and had a higher level of happiness [ 5 ].…”

Associations between prevalence of chronic diseases and socio-economic status in adult population of Slovakia

“…Studies addressing this issue have repeatedly identifi ed socio-economic inequalities in health (2). According to experts, individuals with lower socio-economic status have more health problems, face a greater disability, live shorter than those with a more privileged socio-economic status and are less fortunate (3)(4)(5)(6). The effect of SES on the perception of one´s own happiness has also been demonstrated (3).…”