Dependency status and happiness with old age on Java

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Aging populations present challenges in understanding elderly well-being.
• Dependency states (functional, economic, residential) are prevalent among older adults.
• The interplay between dependency and happiness in later life requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the prevalence of various dependency states in elderly Javanese individuals.
• To analyze the impact of dependency status on happiness in old age.
• To identify factors moderating the relationship between dependency and happiness.

Main Methods:

• Utilized survey data from elderly persons residing in Java.
• Assessed functional, economic, and residential dependency states.
• Employed statistical analysis to explore implications for happiness and moderating factors.

Main Results:

• Dependency in later life is common, with many older adults still supporting dependents.
• While dependency on kin was not detrimental to happiness, economic dependency appeared burdensome.
• Gender, provision of inheritance, and rural-urban residence significantly moderated the effects of dependency on happiness.

Conclusions:

• Dependency is a multifaceted aspect of aging, with varying impacts based on type and context.
• Economic dependency can be a significant stressor for the elderly, affecting their happiness.
• Socio-demographic factors play a crucial role in shaping the experience of dependency and its link to well-being in later life.