Social Support Influencing the Happiness of the Elderly in Samut Prakan Province

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the level of social support influencing the happiness of the elderly in Samut Prakan Province, Thailand. The participants were 384 Thai elderly individuals aged 60 years and above who are members of the Elderly Association in Samut Prakan Province. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using a statistical software package, with a significance level at 0.05. The statistical methods employed in this study included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis.The findings revealed that the level of social support, which refers to the elderly’s perception of receiving assistance and support in various aspects, fulfilling their needs, and being encouraged and cared for to lead an appropriate life, was high. Social support encompassed three dimensions: 1) emotional support, which involves receiving love, warmth, care, closeness, attachment, and mutual trust; 2) support in terms of labor, material goods, money, and services, which includes receiving assistance with labor, items, utilities, money, and convenience in accessing various services in the community; and 3) informational support, which refers to receiving information, advice, or recommendations that are beneficial for daily life and health from individuals in society. However, the overall happiness level of the elderly in Samut Prakan Province, according to their opinions, was found to be lower than that of the general population.