Happiness and Social Support Among Elderly Residents in Coastal Ernakulam: A Cross-Sectional Study
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Advancing age brings a decline in physical and emotional strength, leaving the elderly increasingly vulnerable. As the population ages, health priorities shift toward aging-related issues like mental and psychological problems. With India's growing elderly population, recognizing and addressing their emotional and social needs has become increasingly important in the healthcare system. Objectives: This study aims to assess happiness and perceived social support among the elderly in coastal Ernakulam and to find the association between these two factors. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 136 elderly individuals (≥60 years) in Njarackal, Ernakulam. Participants were randomly selected from an electoral list. Happiness and social support were assessed using the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), respectively. Results: Among 136 elderly individuals, 75.7% were found to be happy based on the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. Perceived social support showed a strong association with happiness. Participants with low or moderate support had 14.6 times higher odds of not being happy compared to those with high support (p<0.001), highlighting its significant influence. Conclusion: The study highlights a high level of happiness among the elderly in the coastal area of Ernakulam, with perceived social support playing a key role. Those with lower support were significantly less happy, underscoring the importance of strengthening social networks and community-based support systems to enhance well-being in older adults.
Source: Research Square
Institution: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204265253