Factors Associated with Happiness in Life among Elderly in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to examine the factors influencing the happiness of the elderly in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The sample consisted of 225 elderly persons aged 60 years and above, selected through multi-stage random sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire comprising sections on personal information, social and community factors, spiritual and religious factors, economic factors, as well as activities and learning. The content validity was confirmed with an IOC index ranging from 0.80 to 1.00, and the reliability of the instrument demonstrated acceptable internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients between 0.76 and 0.86 and The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis.
The results revealed that the majority of elderly participants reported a high level of happiness (84.9%). The regression model was statistically significant (F=31.282, p=.000). Spiritual-religious factors, economic factors, and social-community factors were significant positive predictors of happiness, whereas income showed a significant negative association.The findings suggest that the happiness of older adults arises from the synergistic influence of spirituality, social relationships, and economic stability, forming a crucial foundation for developing a happiness enhancement model in the subsequent phase of this research.