HAPPINESS LOVES COMPANY? OLDER ADULTS’ POSITIVE AFFECT ACROSS LAYERS OF THE MOMENTARY SOCIAL CONTEXT
2024
How Social Interactions Affect Older Adults' Happiness
Sample size: 378
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Alyssa Goldman, Sara Moorman
Primary Institution: Boston College
Hypothesis
Positive affect in older adults is influenced by the presence of social companions and the broader social environment.
Conclusion
Older adults feel happier when they are in social spaces with other people, even if they are alone.
Supporting Evidence
- Positive affect supports physical and mental health as well as longevity.
- Older adults report higher positive affect when in social spaces with others.
Takeaway
Being around other people makes older adults happier, even if they are not with friends or family.
Methodology
The study used 15,379 ecological momentary assessments from older adults analyzed through mixed effects regression models.
Participant Demographics
Older adults from the Chicago Health and Activity Space in Real-Time study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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