KOREA: Family, Health Are Keys to Elders' Happiness

SEOUL (Korea Times), October 23, 2005: Senior citizens in South Korea said they are happiest when they spend time with their families. Nonetheless, health remains the most influential factor for happiness of senior citizens. An index showed the level of happiness of Korean elders at 64.7 points out of a top 100, according to a survey. The result is based on the survey of 706 senior citizens who are aged between 60 and 80. When asked about when they are happy, 23.8 percent said they are happiest when they spend time with their families. About 13.2 percent said they are happy when they see their family doing well, while 8.1 percent found happiness in their hobbies. Health is the most influential factor for happiness of senior citizens. About 28.8 percent said they are unhappy due to worsening health conditions, followed by economic hardship of their children with 14.8 percent.