Factors Influencing Happiness of Elderly People with Cognitive Impairment in Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that make an impact on the happiness of the elderly people with cognitive impairment in Korea.This study was conducted with 74,547 people aged 65 or older out of 229,099 people surveyed by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2019.Among these elderly people, 21,880 subjects who responded with cognitive impairment, excluding 52,591 who did not have cognitive impairment and 76 who did not respond, were analyzed. Research method- The general characteristics and happiness emotions were frequency analyzed, and the level of happiness according to the general characteristics was t-test and one way ANOVA.The factors influencing happiness were analyzed in multiple sessions.Result- As a result of the study, factors influencing happinessinclude gender, education level, economic activity, monthly income, spouse, athletic ability, self-care, daily activities, pain discomfort, anxious depression, stress level, and falling experience. The explanatory power was 25.5% (Adj. R²=0.225, F=498.718, p< 0.001).  Conclusion- As age increases, cognitive impairment worsens and the sense of happiness decreases. For happiness in older adults with cognitive impairment, active self-care and support from families and communities are needed.