INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING HAPPINESS LEVELS: A RESEARCH ON THE ELDERLY

Abstract

Is the happiness of our older population in Turkey a goal of this study? An answer is needed to the query. The factors that influence background happiness and those that will influence senior people's happiness were examined in this study. One of the mental health indicators derived from people's cognitive and emotional assessments of their life is happiness. Happiness is said to emerge from a comparison of current circumstances in terms of success. The literature on gerontology, however, has only addressed elderly people's satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the level of happiness among older people in Turkey and to investigate the associations between happiness and other factors. 440 seniors (65 and above) participated in this cross-sectional survey in Ankara in 2022 using a multi-stage random sample technique. The PERMA Well-Being Questionnaire and demographic data were both utilized in this study. data evaluation ANOVA, the independent t-test, and Pearson correlation were utilized. In all sub-dimensions, the overall happiness score was rated as moderate. There was no discernible difference in enjoyment between old men and women. All six aspects of happiness have a strong, positive correlation with one another. As a result, life satisfaction, financial security, and educational attainment all played a role in how positively elderly people perceived happiness. Thus, one of the methods to enhance the quality of life for seniors may be the implementation of initiatives to make them happier.