Factors Associated with Happiness in the Lives of the Elderly in Ban Pho Subdistrict, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This study employed a mixed-methods research design aimed at exploring what factors related to self-esteem, economic and social aspects, and health influence happiness in the lives of elderly individuals, while also examining their overall happiness. The quantitative sample consisted of 175 individuals aged 60 and over, whereas the qualitative sample included 15 individuals from the same age group. The data collection tools were as follows: The quantitative research employed a questionnaire consisting of three parts: a personal information questionnaire, a questionnaire on factors affecting the happiness of the elderly, and a questionnaire assessing happiness in the lives of the elderly, which was comprised of five dimensions. The qualitative research used an in-depth interview guide and a focus group discussion guide. Data analysis for the quantitative data included analysis of personal data using percentages, means, and standard deviations, and examining the relationships between self-esteem factors, economic and social factors, health factors, and happiness in the lives of the elderly using non-parametric statistics, specifically Chi-square tests. Qualitative data were analyzed using a computer program to identify relationships between codes. The researcher conducted the coding, analysis, and synthesis of the qualitative data. The findings revealed that the factors of self-esteem and health were significantly related to all dimensions of happiness in the elderly's lives at the 0.01 level of statistical significance. Meanwhile, economic and social factors were significantly related to the dimensions of comfort, enjoyment, and dignity at the 0.01 level of statistical significance, but not related to the dimensions of clarity or tranquility. Therefore, care for the elderly should be provided that covers support for all five dimensions.