Title: Factors affecting the level of happiness through economics status: evidences from elderly in the northeastern region of Thailand

Authors: Jongrak Hong-ngam; Dusadee Ayuwat; Kesinee Saranrittichai; Nattawat Auraiampai

Addresses: Faculty of Economics, KhonKaen University, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd., Nai-Muang, Muang District, KhonKaen 40002, Thailand ' Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, KhonKaen University, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd., Nai-Muang, Muang District, KhonKaen 40002, Thailand ' Faculty of Public Health, KhonKaen University, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd., Nai-Muang, Muang District, KhonKaen 40002, Thailand ' Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, KhonKaen University, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd., Nai-Muang, Muang District, KhonKaen 40002, Thailand

Abstract: This study focuses on the level of happiness arising from the economic status of the elderly. It has placed emphasis on the elderly because the National Elderly Committee forecasted that the ratio of elderly population will rise from 17.5% in 2020 to 25.12% in 2030. To find out what factors, especially the economic ones, contributed to the happiness of the elderly is an important preparation for the aging society. The factors considered in this study include income, human capital, physical capital, accessibility to economic capital, etc. A sample of senior citizens in two northeastern provinces of Thailand was interviewed in this study. The overall findings revealed that saving money, having accessibility to economic capital, having self-esteem, maintaining relationships with family members and neighbours, and sustaining a way of life are the main factors.

Keywords: happiness; economic; human capital; self-esteem; Thailand; elderly.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2021.117408

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2021 Vol.29 No.1, pp.116 - 134

Received: 19 Sep 2018
Accepted: 02 Apr 2019

Published online: 06 Sep 2021 *

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