Investigation of the relationship between social inclusion level, successful aging, and subjective happiness among elderly individuals enrolled in the 60+ refreshment university

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social inclusion level, successful aging, and subjective happiness among elderly individuals enrolled in the 60+ Refreshment University. Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional correlational study. In this research, social inclusion level was considered the independent variable, while successful aging and subjective happiness were treated as the dependent variables. The study population consisted of 600 elderly individuals actively enrolled in the Third Age University affiliated with Akdeniz University. The study sample comprised 152 elderly individuals who voluntarily agreed to participate. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Social Inclusion Scale (SIS), the Successful Aging Scale (SAS), and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form (OHQ-SF). Results: A significant positive relationship was found between social inclusion, successful aging, and happiness (p<0.01). Additionally, social inclusion was found to influence successful aging by 5% and happiness by 18.8%. It was determined that social inclusion contributes to increased successful aging and happiness. Conclusion: Elderly individuals were found to have moderate levels of social inclusion, successful aging, and happiness, and these three factors were shown to influence each other. Nurses can contribute to successful aging and happiness by promoting social participation among elderly individuals. It is recommended to establish stronger social support networks and to develop programs that support the physical and mental well-being of elderly individuals.