Factors influencing happiness in the elderly based on the Anderson model

Abstract

Background: The happiness of elderly people is an important indicator of successful aging. Research shows that happiness among the elderly is not only affected by physical conditions, social relations and other factors, but is also used as a measure of other aspects of happiness. This study examined the relationship between happiness and social relationships, contextual characteristics, and the medical outcomes of the elderly in China.Methods: Using multistage sampling method, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in Heilongjiang Province, China. 1003 elderly people participated in this study. We used the Life Satisfaction Scale, social isolation scale and EQ-5D to measure the happiness, social participation and health status of the elderly. In this study, structural equation modeling and descriptive analysis were used for analysis.Results: The main factors for happiness in the elderly were social relationships (γ = 0.507, P<0.001), contextual characteristics (γ= 0.256, P<0.001), and medical outcomes (γ= 0.232, P=0.015). Among these, the most important factor in the dimension of social relationships was social isolation (γ = -0.757 P<0.001), the most important factor in the dimension of contextual characteristics was monthly income (γ = 0.955 P<0.001), and the most important factor in the dimension of medical outcomes was physical health (γ = 0.600 P<0.001). There were also some relationships among three other dimensions.Conclusions：For the elderly, we must pay attention to social relations and reduce the sense of social isolation. At the same time, we should provide more medical resources for the elderly and maintain their health.