Relationship between care networks and happiness in older immigrants in Australia

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to examine the relationship between care networks and perceived happiness in older immigrants who live in their own homes in Australia.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 101 participants aged 65–97 years and from seven cultural groups. Participants completed measures of perceived happiness, care network structure, function and adequacy, and demographics. Data were analysed using correlations, analyses of variance and multiple regression analyses.

Results

Family support, giving and receiving emotional and instrumental support and satisfaction with care networks and physical health were significantly correlated with perceived happiness. Regression analyses identified satisfaction with care networks, satisfaction with physical health and receiving instrumental support as significant predictors of happiness, explaining 41% of the variance in happiness.

Conclusions

The findings emphasised the importance of instrumental support from family and formal community aged care services, and satisfaction with care networks to perceived happiness in older immigrants. The study suggested improving communication between older immigrants, their family and service providers to effectively support older immigrants to age well in Australia.