Factors Associated with Happiness among Senior Citizens of Rural Korea: Evidence from the 2017 National Survey of Older Koreans

Background: Happiness is one of the most important indicators of health, wellbeing, and quality of life among older adults. The objective of the study was to investigate factors associated with happiness among senior citizens residing in rural areas using the 2017 National Survey of Older Koreans. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 3,149 senior citizens living in rural areas using secondary data from the 2017 National Survey of Older Koreans. Happiness was measured by a single question and responses were recorded dichotomously. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed at a 5% level of significance. Results: In all, 64.5% of the participants considered themselves as happy most of the time in the last 1 week. In the study, socio-demographic factors did not predict happiness except age. Satisfaction with a health status, financial situation, relationship with children, cultural satisfaction, and satisfaction with friends and society were positively associated with happiness among senior citizens residing in rural areas of Korea. Odds of reporting happiness were higher among those who traveled in the last 1 year, visited elderly welfare centers, and were involved in voluntary work than among those who did not. Conclusion: Happiness among senior citizen was significantly associated with life satisfaction with regard to health, finance, relationship with family, friends and society, and social activity participation.