TY  - JOUR
AU  - Rathie, Erica
AU  - Orsega-Smith, Elizabeth
AU  - Goodwin, Stephen
AU  - Ziegler, Melissa
AU  - Greenawalt, Katie
AU  - Turner, Jennie
PY  - 2019
DA  - 2019/01/10
TI  - Aging and the Art of Happiness: Time Effects of A Positive Psychology Program with Older Adults
JO  - OBM Geriatrics
SP  - 029
VL  - 03
IS  - 01
AB  - Background: Research has shown that positive psychology interventions can enhance subjective well-being and reduce depression, however, the efficacy of these programs with older adult populations has not been widely examined. The present study studied the short and long term impact of an intervention enhancing happiness and overall mental well-being in older adults.
Method: The Art of Happiness is an 8-week program conducted at 2 senior centers in the state of Delaware. Each 90 minute class examined a different topic; (1) defining happiness, (2) stress management, (3) reflecting on happiness, (4) compassion and human connection, (5) forgiveness, (6) transforming suffering, (7) mindfulness, and (8) humor. Pre, post, and 6 months post program questionnaires assessed participant subjective happiness, stress, life satisfaction, depression, mindfulness, arousal states, and general demographic and health information.
Results: 32 participants completed the course and were mostly married (43.8%), female (87.5%) and Caucasian (90.6%), with an age range of 53-84 years (70.91 + .70 years). After controlling for age, gender, and health issues, there was a significant time effect over 6 months post program for happiness, mood state of tiredness, and mindfulness constructs of non-judging and non-reactivity, stress, and satisfaction with life (p
SN  - 2638-1311
UR  - https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901029
DO  - 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901029
ID  - Rathie2019
ER  -