Background:
Many studies have examined depression in aging with the assumption that this also provides information concerning the nature of happiness. There is consequently a paucity of research on happiness, in particular its determinants and relationship with successful aging. The aim of this research was to review studies concerning happiness in aging.
Methods:
MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINAHL and EBM reviews were searched from their inception to June 2006, using the terms happiness, optimism, positive affect, subjective well-being, well-being and life satisfaction.
Results:
The main findings can be summarized as follows: most studies support an increase in happiness with age although some longitudinal research has shown decreases over the life span. Correlates of happiness and subjective well-being in aging include marital status, religious commitment, subjective ratings of health status, social capital, task- or avoidance-oriented coping, cognitive function and housing quality. Positive affect appears as much of a protective factor as negative affect is a risk factor for functional disability in aging, especially following illness or injury. Finally, early results suggest that positive psychology interventions such as the ‘good-things-in-life’ exercise may be efficacious in increasing and maintaining levels of happiness.
Conclusion:
Happiness is an important contributor to successful aging and further intervention studies should be pursued to improve the health of older persons.
