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Inner Happiness Among Thai Elderly

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Abstract

This study, based on data collected in 2005 from Chai Nat province, examines the level of happiness of the Thai elderly population and its relationship to various external and internal factors. It was found that mean happiness was slightly above a feeling of "neutral." According to multiple regression analyses, external factors including economic hardship, living arrangements, functional ability, perceived social environment, and consumerism significantly influence the level of happiness. The strongest predictor of happiness is, however, the internal factor—that is, a feeling of relative poverty when compared to their neighbors. Controlling for demographic and all external factors, the respondents who do not feel poor show the highest level of happiness compared to those who feel as poor as or poorer than their neighbors. This is self-interpreted as a feeling of contentment with what one has, which has been influenced by Thai culture, which is pervaded by Buddhism.

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Notes

  1. Phra Phaisan Visalo is Abbot of Wat Pa Sukhato and Wat Mahawan in Chaiyaphum, Thailand. He is on the Executive Commitee of Phra Sekhiyadhamma, a nationwide network of socially concerned monks.

  2. Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (1906–1993) was one of the most famous Buddhist monks. He was honored by UNESCO by being included in the list of great international personalities in 2005.

  3. The Thai elderly also use cell phones, as found in the study of Knodel and Saengtienchai (2005), and enjoy using cell phones to contact their children who migrate to work somewhere else.

  4. According to Buddhism, there are 38 Blessings of Life, and contentment with what one has is Blessings of Life number 24 (Soni 1987).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand

    Rossarin Soottipong Gray, Pungpond Rukumnuaykit, Sirinan Kittisuksathit & Varachai Thongthai

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  1. Rossarin Soottipong Gray
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  2. Pungpond Rukumnuaykit
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  3. Sirinan Kittisuksathit
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  4. Varachai Thongthai
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Correspondence to Rossarin Soottipong Gray.

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Gray, R.S., Rukumnuaykit, P., Kittisuksathit, S. et al. Inner Happiness Among Thai Elderly. J Cross Cult Gerontol 23, 211–224 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-008-9065-7

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