Life Management and Dependence for the Happiness of the Lonely Elderly

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to investigate concepts, attitudes, problems, life management styles, and dependence for happiness among lonely elderly. The key informants were 10 elderly  aged 60 years and over who lived alone. Data were collected by participatory observation, in-depth interview, Barthel Activities of Daily Living : ADL assessment and content analysis. Findings revealed that 1) the elderly had the free concept of independent happiness attitude in 3 issues: person, cognition/decision-making and time. Problems encountered included : income, traffic, sleep and do not wake up and emergency illness. 2) Life management style and dependency were 1. daily life  be able to do daily routine which was non-dependent; 2. physical health  had at least 3 health problems which required additional self - care by using prosthetic devices and public health service system; 3.mental health  under normal criteria with good emotion management  and social activities; 4. economic aspect  it had impacts on the difference in happiness in life based on economic capital and inadequate incomes; 5.social aspect creating friendship and reliance on one another having a relationship with extrovert personality of the elderly; and 6. religion aspect developing spiritual health which the elderly put the importance on culture/ traditional activities. All of 6 aspects were under the integral dimension 4 parts between self-reliance as the main, family, relatives, social and organizations. The study was a guideline for promoting of the elderly well-being alone at the community level and local agencies to further develop participation.