Flourishing Among Elderly Population: The Role of Social Support and Gratitude.
Anand, P., Choudhary, P., Bali, M., Gupta, R.
In plain language
This study explores how social support and gratitude contribute to the flourishing of older adults. Focusing on a sample of 413 elderly individuals in North India, the research examines both hedonic (pleasure-related) and eudaimonic (meaning-related) aspects of well-being. The study finds that gratitude plays a crucial mediating role in the relationship between social support and flourishing, highlighting the interconnectedness of these factors in enhancing well-being among the elderly.
By employing structural equation modeling, the researchers reveal that perceived social support indirectly boosts flourishing through gratitude. This research provides novel insights into the psychological well-being of older adults in India, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and social connections in promoting a fulfilling later life.
Key findings
- Gratitude mediates the relationship between social support and flourishing.
- A significant indirect relationship exists between perceived social support and flourishing via gratitude.
- Social support and gratitude are key predictors of flourishing among the elderly.
- The study highlights both hedonic and eudaimonic aspects of well-being in older adults.
- This is one of the first studies to conceptualize flourishing among older adults in India.
Why it matters for flourishing
This research underscores the importance of social support and gratitude in enhancing the well-being of older adults, suggesting that these elements are vital for their psychological flourishing.
Try this today
Readers can focus on fostering gratitude and building strong social networks to enhance their well-being as they age. Practitioners working with older adults should incorporate strategies that promote gratitude and social support to help them flourish.
How this research touches wellbeing
Which of Seligman's five PERMA pillars this finding speaks to.
- Positive Emotion
- 8
- Engagement
- 6
- Relationships
- 9
- Meaning
- 7
- Accomplishment
- 5