Philippine E-Journals

Elders’ Perceived Stress, Happiness and Life Satisfaction Amidst the Pandemic: A Correlational Study

Daisy Obiso

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is experienced differently across individuals, and older adults’ different life experiences lead to various coping methods. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the correlation between perceived stress, life satisfaction and happiness of the elderly amidst the pandemic. A standard questionnaire assessing stress, happiness, and life satisfaction was adapted. The 100 participants also responded to an open- ended question about what gives them stress and happiness at the survey time. A mixed-method of quantitative and qualitative data was analyzed. The results show that elders’ perceived stress, happiness, and life satisfaction were negatively correlated. Stress and happiness had r=-0.483 and r=-0.496 respectively, with low correlations, but life satisfaction had r=-0.514, moderate correlations. The most commonly reported stressors were health related, basic needs, and worries. And the most frequently reported sources of happiness were family, good health, faith, grandchildren, financial support, and gardening. These findings suggest that various forms of activities are required to improve elder’s well-being that promote quality of life, like stress management, physical activities, involvement in community, volunteerism and providing them with family care and support.