Subjective Well-Being Amongst Older Women from Migrant and Non-Migrant Households in Rural Java, Indonesia

Abstract

This study explored how older women living in rural Java in Yogyakarta, Indonesia construct their subjective well-being. This study identified access, control, and physical and social resources available for older adults in their daily life and, afterward, juxtaposes these factors with the socioeconomicstatus and culture of rural societies in Java that support elderly resilience. This study assumed there are both differences and similarities in control of those resources leading to the subjective well-being in rural Java. This research utilized subjective well-being theory to examine how older women from varied family backgrounds adapt to the challenges of older age. Two types of households were selected: older persons with migrating children and older persons with non-migrating children. This study used qualitative methods through participatory observations and in-depth interviews. In the end, this research revealed that subjective well-being is influenced heavily by family relations. This study showed the limit and the lack of government measurement of well-being from an isolated individual economic and social welfare status. It was argued that subjective well-being requires the active involvement of society and self-responsibility to keep older adults healthy and resilient in older ages, both at the individual and community level.