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

Yuri Sasaki,Yuki Shirakura,Kay Thi Lwin,Masafumi Funato,Ikuma Nozaki,Yuki Chihara,Yuiko Nagamine,Tomofumi Sone,Daisuke Takagi,Poe Ei Zin,Yugo Shobugawa,Hla Hla Win,Thae Zarchi Bo

doi:10.3390/ijerph19063216

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.

Highlights

Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.There is a growing interest in the role of well-being in improving a population’s health
In conclusion, both objective and subjective economic status (ES) may be associated with happiness among older adults in Myanmar
The associations remained significant or marginally significant in both urban (Yangon) and rural (Bago) areas, even after they were stratified by region

Summary

Introduction

There is a growing interest in the role of well-being in improving a population’s health. The European Commission argued that current measures of economic performance, such as gross domestic product, are insufficient indicators of a society’s progress and that personal well-being should be considered [1,2]. It has been argued that psychological well-being should be addressed in measures of health valuation and considered in healthcare resource allocation [1,3].

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion