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Happiness and Cognitive Impairment Among Older Adults: Investigating the Mediational Roles of Disability, Depression, Social Contact Frequency, and Loneliness

Author

Listed:
  • Jit Hui Tan

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore)

  • Edimansyah Abdin

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore)

  • Shazana Shahwan

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore)

  • Yunjue Zhang

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore)

  • Rajeswari Sambasivam

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore)

  • Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore)

  • Rathi Mahendran

    (Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 11907, Singapore)

  • Hong Choon Chua

    (CEO Office, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore)

  • Siow Ann Chong

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore)

  • Mythily Subramaniam

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore)

Abstract

Background: Understanding the lower level of happiness among older adults with cognitive impairment has been a largely neglected issue. This study (1) reports on the level of happiness among older adults in Singapore and (2) examines the potential mediating roles of depression, disability, social contact frequency, and loneliness in the relationship between cognitive scores and happiness. Methods: Data for this study were extracted from the Well-being of the Singapore Elderly (WiSE) study: a cross-sectional; comprehensive single-phase survey conducted among Singapore citizens and permanent residents that were aged 60 years and above ( n = 2565). The Geriatric Mental State examination (GMS) was administered to the participants. Questions pertaining to socio-demographic characteristics; happiness; loneliness; social contact; depression; and, disability were utilized in this study. Logistic regression analyses and mediation analyses were used to explore the correlates of happiness and potential mediating factors. Results: Overall, 96.2% of older adults in Singapore reported feeling either fairly happy or very happy. In the regression analysis, individuals of Malay descent, those who were married/cohabiting, or had higher education levels were more likely to report feeling happy. After controlling for socio-demographic factors, higher cognitive scores were associated with higher odds of reporting happiness. We found that the positive association between cognition and happiness was fully mediated by disability, depression, loneliness, and frequency of contact with friends. Conclusion: The majority of the older adult population reported feeling fairly or very happy. While cognitive impairment has shown limited reversibility in past studies, unhappiness among older adults with cognitive impairment might be potentially mitigated through interventions addressing accompanying issues of social isolation, disability, and depression

Suggested Citation

  • Jit Hui Tan & Edimansyah Abdin & Shazana Shahwan & Yunjue Zhang & Rajeswari Sambasivam & Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar & Rathi Mahendran & Hong Choon Chua & Siow Ann Chong & Mythily Subramaniam, 2019. "Happiness and Cognitive Impairment Among Older Adults: Investigating the Mediational Roles of Disability, Depression, Social Contact Frequency, and Loneliness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:24:p:4954-:d:294892
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sonja Lyubomirsky & Chris Tkach & M. DiMatteo, 2006. "What are the Differences between Happiness and Self-Esteem," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 78(3), pages 363-404, September.
    2. Siok Tambyah & Soo Tan & Ah Kau, 2009. "The Quality of Life in Singapore," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 92(2), pages 337-376, June.
    3. R. Veenhoven, 2008. "Healthy happiness: effects of happiness on physical health and the consequences for preventive health care," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 9(3), pages 449-469, September.
    4. Bao-Liang Zhong & Shu-Lin Chen & Xin Tu & Yeates Conwell, 2017. "Loneliness and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Findings From the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 72(1), pages 120-128.
    5. Tiina-Mari Lyyra & Timo M. Törmäkangas & Sanna Read & Taina Rantanen & Stig Berg, 2006. "Satisfaction With Present Life Predicts Survival in Octogenarians," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 61(6), pages 319-326.
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    1. Yuri Sasaki & Yugo Shobugawa & Ikuma Nozaki & Daisuke Takagi & Yuiko Nagamine & Masafumi Funato & Yuki Chihara & Yuki Shirakura & Kay Thi Lwin & Poe Ei Zin & Thae Zarchi Bo & Tomofumi Sone & Hla Hla W, 2022. "Association between Happiness and Economic Status among Older Adults in Two Myanmar Regions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-13, March.

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