Predictors of Elderly Happiness

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of social variables on the happiness of non-institutionalized elderly citizens. Foremost, the living arrangements of the elderly (living alone, living with a spouse, or living with a child or relative) are examined to determine if this affects the Level of Happiness of the elderly. The dependent variable was measured using the Life Satisfaction Index from the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development (CSHAD) and the Older American Resources and Services (OARS). This index has been used for elderly research since 1978. The sample was 98 individuals age 65 and over who primarily reside in the Monmouth County, New Jersey area. Using 2-sample independent T-tests, the results showed that the order of preferred living arrangements were Living With One's Spouse, Living Alone, and Living With One's Children. Using Pearson r-correlation coefficient tests, the independent variables of health, marital status, and religious commitment were found to be significantly correlat...