Hope, happiness, general health and well-being among the elderly

Pages: 448-451
Anila, M.M and Dhanalakshmi D. (Department of Applied Psychology, Pondicherry University, Rv Nagar, Kalapet, Puducherry)

The objective of this investigation was to analyze the relationship between hope, happiness, general health and well-being among the elderly. The sample consisted of 100 elderly people and that sampling technique used for the present study was convenience sampling. The age of the participants ranged between 60-80 years. The tools used for the study were General Health Questionnaire by Goldberg & Williams, oxford Happiness Questionnaire by Hills & Argyle, Well-Being Index by World Health organization (WHo), and Adult Dispositional Hope Scale by Synder. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated and a significant positive correlation was found between happiness and well-being (r= 0.215: p<0.05, n=100). Independent samples ‘t’ test was done in order to find out whether gender differences existed in hope, happiness, general health and well-being of elderly. The result clearly indicates that there is no significant difference between elderly men and women on hope, happiness, general health and well-being. In addition, regression analysis indicates that happiness significantly predicts wellbeing (β=.206, p=.039) among elderly. Perceived happiness helps to improve the mental and physical well-being of the individual and it also influences their interpersonal relationships. Positive activity interventions (PAI) which includes regular practice of gratitude, optimism, kindness and meditation may increase their happiness and therefore well-being.