Survey of factors contributing to the happiness of older persons: A cross-sectional study of associated worries, anxiety, and depression

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Old age is associated with a greater prevalence of worry, anxiety, and depression when compared to the younger age groups. Age-specific stressors and comorbidities accumulate and negatively impact the well-being of older adults. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: In this context, we intended to study the factors influencing the happiness of older adults. METHODS: It was a survey through a questionnaire of older adults attending a public health conference on old age-related issues. We inquired about what makes them happy, their worries, and physical and mental health issues. We also assessed their depression through the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), anxiety through the General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) scale, and quality of life (QoL) using a scale of 0 being worst to 10 being best. RESULTS: Factors that brought happiness to older adults were family and friends (25.7%), social activities (28.6%), traveling and sightseeing (11.4%), reading and writing (11.4%), meeting people (8.6%), and having time for self (8.6%). Besides these, 22.9% reported they enjoy working. A clinical level of anxiety (GAD-7 score of 10 or more) was present in 17.2% and depression (PHQ-9 score of 10 or more) in 28.6% of older adults. The anxiety and depression scores were positively correlated (P < 0.001) in the sample studied. There were no differences between genders related to concerns, health, finance, relationships, memory, needs for help, QoL, and severity of anxiety or depression. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults could identify various factors linked to their happiness, despite various concerns and mental health issues. The information might help family, informal, and professional caregivers to support activities that contribute to the well-being and happiness of older adults.