A study on the determination of the factors affecting the happiness levels of older individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkish society

Abstract

This study aims to determine the factors affecting the happiness levels of older individuals in Türkiye during the COVID-19 pandemic. The microdata set from the 2020 Life Satisfaction Survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute was utilized, involving 1,863 individuals aged 60 and above. The relationship between happiness levels and various factors was investigated using the chi-square independence test, and the factors affecting happiness were further analyzed through generalized ordered logistic regression. According to the generalized ordered logistic regression model, participants in the 60–64 age group are 10.1% less likely to report happiness compared to those aged 65 and older. Men are 4.3% less likely than women to report happiness. Furthermore, individuals with no formal education and those with primary school education have a 14.4% and 9.4% higher likelihood of happiness, respectively, compared to university graduates. The literature on happiness demonstrates the relationship between different factors and happiness. This study determined that such factors as gender, age, educational status, source of happiness, health satisfaction, hope scale, and homeownership have an impact on the happiness levels of older individuals. The amount of societal support provided to older individuals can be an indicator of their level of happiness.