Elderly Happier with Health, Faith, and Own Home

The recent, popular film "Grumpy Old Men" reveals a common stereotype that we have about the older generation - the elderly are often cantankerous, stubborn, and bitter individuals. As with any stereotype, many seniors defy this description and are enjoying their latter years tremendously. In an effort to find some common traits among these "happy seniors," a recent study at Rutgers University examined predictors of elderly happiness. What did they find hikes happiness among the elderly? Good health, a strong faith, and living with a spouse in one's own home were all significant predictors of elderly happiness. "This finding that a strong faith is linked to happiness among the elderly is consistent with other studies that have shown religiously committed seniors are less depressed following surgery and recover more quickly as well," noted Dr. David Larson of the National Institute for Healthcare Research.

A randomized survey of 98 non-nursing home senior citizens in Monmouth, N.J. sought to determine what factors predicted higher levels of happiness. Their average age was 72.

Not surprisingly, better health predicted higher levels of happiness among these elderly as did mobility without depending on others for transportation. Also, the more strongly the elderly rated their relationship with God, the more happy they were "showing religious belief/commitment to be an excellent predictor of elderly happiness," Rutgers researcher Diane J. Kehn said.

Living with one's spouse topped the list in happiest living arrangement. Next came living alone. Living with one's children ranked third, possibly since independence and privacy shrink, noted Kehn. The study did not compare preference for living with oneÌs children versus nursing home care, but recommended this for future research.

Pinpointing what helps boost happiness will enable social workers and others who work with the elderly "to apply proper treatment and to use good judgment based on significant, empirical data."

Reference: Kahn, D.J. (1995). "Predictors of Elderly Happiness." Activities, Adaptation, & Aging 19(3):11-29.