Perception of Ageing and Happiness among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Qaemshahr, Iran

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Happiness and perception of ageing are key components of mental health in later life and play a decisive role in adaptation and well-being among older adults. Given the importance of these factors, the present study aimed to examine the relationship between perception of ageing and happiness among older adults in Qaemshahr, Iran, in 2020. Methods: This descriptive–correlational study was conducted on 300 older adults covered by community health centers who met the inclusion criteria. Participants were selected using a stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Persian version of the Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (APQ), and the Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, percentage) and inferential statistics, including Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: The findings revealed a significant negative correlation between perception of ageing and happiness among older adults (r = − 0.608, p < 0.001). Moreover, both perception of ageing and happiness were significantly associated with age, gender, economic status, cohabitation status, and level of dependency (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicate that older adults’ perception of the ageing process plays a determining role in their level of happiness. Promoting a more positive attitude toward ageing can be an important strategy for enhancing mental health and quality of life in older adults. Psychosocial and educational interventions aimed at fostering a positive perception of ageing are therefore recommended. Health sciences/Health care Biological sciences/Psychology Social science/Psychology Perception of ageing Happiness Older adults Introduction Ageing has been recognized as one of the most significant demographic transformations of the current century, with profound social, economic, and health-related implications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global population aged 60 years and older reached approximately one billion in 2019 and is projected to increase to 1.4 billion by 2030 and exceed 2.1 billion by 2050 ( 1 ). Similarly, the United Nations has reported that by 2050, one in every five individuals worldwide will be aged 65 years or older ( 2 ). In Iran, based on data from the Statistical Center of Iran, the proportion of the older adult population is expected to rise from 9.9% in 2016 to over 12% by 2026 ( 3 ). This rapid demographic shift, particularly in developing countries, underscores the growing need for special attention to the physical and psychological health of older adults. Among the various dimensions of health in older adults, mental health holds a particularly prominent position. Psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent challenges in later life, significantly affecting quality of life, social participation, and even survival. According to recent statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 14% of individuals aged 60 years and older worldwide live with a mental disorder, accounting for 10% of the total disability burden in this age group ( 4 ). One of the key constructs related to mental health in old age is happiness, recognized as a core component of subjective well-being. Happiness is a multidimensional concept encompassing both cognitive components (such as life satisfaction) and affective components (the presence of positive emotions and the reduction of negative emotions)( 5 ). It can be defined as a positive internal experience that reflects an individual’s interpretation of their emotional life and cognitive evaluation of their existence; essentially, it represents the extent to which and the manner in which a person values their own life ( 6 ). Evidence suggests that higher levels of happiness are associated with reduced risk of mental disorders, improved social functioning, and increased life expectancy ( 7 ). Happiness is not merely the absence of depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems but rather reflects an individual’s overall satisfaction with life and the extent and quality of engagement in pleasurable activities. The presence of happiness among older adults contributes to their overall physical, psychological, and social well-being ( 8 ). Numerous studies conducted in Iran have also confirmed the importance of happiness in later life. Ezzati et al. (2023) found that spirituality and social support were positively associated with higher levels of happiness among Iranian older adults and partially explained individual differences in life satisfaction ( 9 ). Similarly, Babazadeh et al. (2025) reported that self-efficacy and self-esteem play significant mediating roles in promoting happiness in old age ( 10 ). Such findings suggest that happiness is influenced not only by individual characteristics but also by broader social and psychological conditions. Happiness, as one of the key indicators of mental health in older adults, is influenced by a wide range of individual, social, and psychological factors ( 11 ). Individuals’ attitudes and beliefs toward ageing can significantly affect their sense of hope for the future, psychological adaptability, and overall life satisfaction. Therefore, examining the relationship between perception of ageing and happiness provides a theoretical framework for understanding individual differences in psychological well-being among older adults ( 12 ). Perception of ageing refers to individuals' beliefs, attitudes, and expectations regarding the ageing process. It encompasses multiple dimensions, including timeline (perceptions of ageing onset), consequences (expected outcomes), control (perceived ability to influence ageing), identity (self-perception as old), and emotional responses to ageing ( 11 ). Research has consistently shown that positive perception of ageing is associated with more favorable psychological outcomes, such as greater social adjustment and even reduced mortality rates ( 13 ). Conversely, negative perception of ageing has been linked to higher levels of depression and anxiety, as well as diminished quality of life. A study by Walitan et al. (2024) in Malaysia revealed that older adults with a more positive perception of ageing reported higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction ( 12 ). Similarly, in Iran, Mohammadzadeh et al. (2024) in Bojnourd found that older adults who experienced ageing with a more positive attitude reported higher levels of successful ageing ( 3 ). Despite the growing body of evidence on the roles of happiness and perception of ageing in improving quality of life, research in Iran remains limited. Most existing studies have examined these constructs separately, with limited research exploring their interrelationship. Examining their relationship may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the well-being of older adults, particularly in a context where the country is experiencing a rapid increase in its elderly population. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between perception of ageing and happiness among older adults in Qaemshahr, Iran. The findings may inform the design of educational and nursing interventions as well as health policies aimed at promoting mental well-being in older adults. Methods Study Design This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 2020 at Qaemshahr, Mazandaran Province, Iran. Participants The study population comprised all older adults registered at comprehensive community health centers in Qaemshahr. Sampling and Sample Size The sample included 300 community-dwelling older adults met the inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were: willingness to participate in the study, age ≥ 60 years, registration at a community health center, adequate hearing and communication ability, and cognitive health (a score of ≥ 7 on the Abbreviated Mental Test [AMT]). The exclusion criterion was incomplete questionnaire responses. A stratified random sampling method was employed. Participants were stratified by gender (male and female) and age group (60–75 years [young-old]; 76–90 years [middle-old]; >90 years [oldest-old]). Within each stratum, participants were randomly selected using simple random sampling proportional to stratum size. Due to the small number of individuals in the oldest-old group (n = 2), this group was combined with the middle-old category for analysis. Sample size was calculated using the formula for correlation studies, with a power of 80% and a significance level of α ≤ 0.05, resulting in 273 participants. Considering a 10% attrition rate, the final sample size was set at 300. Instruments Demographic Questionnaire This form collected information on age, gender, marital status, educational level, occupation, economic status, health insurance, and history of chronic diseases. Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) The AMT is a 10-item screening tool used to assess cognitive function in older adults. Scores ≥ 7 indicate normal cognitive function. The Persian version demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.76) ( 14 ). Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (Barker) This 17-item instrument assesses five dimensions of ageing perception (timeline, positive consequences, negative consequences, control, and emotional representations) rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Higher scores indicate a more positive perception of ageing. The Persian version was psychometrically validated by Sadegh Moghadam et al. with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.75 ( 15 ). Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI) This 29-item questionnaire is rated on a four-point Likert scale ( 1 – 4 ), with total scores ranging from 29 to 116. Higher scores indicate greater happiness. The Persian version was validated by Alipour et al., with a reported Cronbach’s alpha of 0.93 ( 16 ). Data Collection Procedure Following ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committees of Gonabad and Mazandaran Universities of Medical Sciences, participating community health centers were randomly selected from the list of all centers in Qaemshahr. In coordination with community health workers (Behvarz), trained research assistants visited participants' homes, explained the study's purpose and procedures, and obtained written informed consent. Questionnaires were completed in person; for participants with low literacy, items were read aloud and responses recorded verbatim by the interviewer. Data Analysis Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and percentage) were used to summarize the data. The normality of data distribution was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Given the non-normal distribution of data, Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to examine associations between ageing perception and happiness, while the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests were employed for group comparisons. The significance level was set at p < 0.05 for all analyses. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences (approval code: IR.GMU.REC.1399.040) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants after providing a full explanation of the study’s objectives. Confidentiality and anonymity were ensured throughout the study. Participants were assigned unique identification codes, and no personal identifiers were recorded on data collection forms. Results Demographic characteristics of the 300 participants are presented in Table 1 . The majority of participants were young-old adults aged 60–74 years (84%), and 57.3% were women. Most participants were married (72.3%) and reported moderate economic status (78.3%). The majority demonstrated low physical dependency (63.3%), indicating a predominantly independent, community-dwelling elderly population. Table 1 Socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants (N = 300) Variable Category Frequency (n) Percent (%) Age (years) 60–74 252 84 75 and over 48 16 Mean ± SD 69.41 ± 18.69 Gender Male 128 42.7 Female 172 57.3 Marital Status Single 12 4 Married 217 72.3 Widowed 70 23.3 Divorced 1 0.3 Education Level Illiterate 136 45.3 Under diploma 131 43.7 Diploma 31 10.3 Academic 2 0.7 Employment Status Self-employed 77 25.6 Retired 110 36.7 Housewife 113 37.7 Economic Status Poor 39 13 Average 235 78.3 Good 26 8.7 Housing Status Personal 240 80 Rented 54 18 Organizational 6 2 Disease Status No disease 108 36 Cardio-pulmonary 35 11.7 Hypertension 42 14 Diabetes 52 17.3 Musculoskeletal 24 8 Infectious 8 2.7 Vision 6 2 Hearing 9 3 Gastrointestinal 15 5 OCD 1 0.3 Cohabitation Status Alone 49 16.3 With spouse 108 36 With spouse and children 97 32.3 With children 46 15.3 Physical Dependency Low 190 63.3 Average 91 30.3 Severe 19 6.3 Total 300 100 As shown in Table 2 , participants aged ≥ 75 years had significantly higher negative ageing perception scores (62.89 ± 7.56) and significantly lower happiness scores (55.54 ± 11.94) compared to those aged 60–74 years (p < 0.001). Men reported significantly higher happiness than women (p = 0.011). Ageing perception dimensions also varied by age, with older adults scoring worse on negative domains such as “negative outcomes and control” and “emotional reactions.” Table 2 Comparison of Mean Scores of Perceptions of Aging and Happiness Based on Age and Gender Variable Group Mean ± SD p-value * Perceptions of Aging Total (N = 300) 54.97 ± 8.38 Age Group 60–74 years (n = 252) 53.46 ± 7.65 < 0.001* 75 years and over (n = 48) 62.89 ± 7.56 Gender Men (n = 128) 53.91 ± 8.21 0.058* Women (n = 172) 55.76 ± 8.43 Happiness Total (N = 300) 70.66 ± 16.87 Age Group 60–74 years (n = 252) 73.54 ± 16.14 < 0.001* 75 years and over (n = 48) 55.54 ± 11.94 Gender Men (n = 128) 73.39 ± 16.77 0.011* Women (n = 172) 68.63 ± 16.71 Dimensions of Perception of Aging Progressive Course Men (n = 128) 10.39 ± 2.90 0.522* Women (n = 172) 10.57 ± 3.06 60–74 years (n = 252) 9.97 ± 2.80 < 0.001* 75 years and over (n = 48) 13.22 ± 2.44 Positive Outcomes Men (n = 128) 12.42 ± 1.97 0.133* Women (n = 172) 12.67 ± 1.68 60–74 years (n = 252) 12.46 ± 1.72 0.002* 75 years and over (n = 48) 13.14 ± 2.15 Positive Control Men (n = 128) 10.85 ± 2.39 0.930* Women (n = 172) 10.85 ± 2.51 60–74 years (n = 252) 11.15 ± 2.21 < 0.001* 75 years and over (n = 48) 9.27 ± 3.02 Negative Outcomes & Control Men (n = 128) 15.10 ± 4.78 0.171* Women (n = 172) 15.84 ± 5.16 60–74 years (n = 252) 14.63 ± 4.67 < 0.001* 75 years and over (n = 48) 20.27 ± 3.96 Emotional Reactions Men (n = 128) 5.13 ± 1.88 0.005* Women (n = 172) 5.80 ± 2.13 60–74 years (n = 252) 5.24 ± 2.01 < 0.001* 75 years and over (n = 48) 6.97 ± 1.64 *Mann-Whitney U Test. Table 3 presents correlation coefficients between happiness and ageing perceptions. Happiness showed a strong significant negative correlation with total ageing perception score in the overall sample (r = − 0.608, p < 0.001), with stronger correlations observed in participants aged ≥ 75 years (r = − 0.621, p < 0.001) and in male participants (r = − 0.657, p < 0.001). Negative domains—including “progressive course,” “negative outcomes and control,” and “emotional reactions”—showed the strongest negative correlations with happiness across all subgroups, particularly in the oldest participants. Table 3 Correlation between Happiness and Dimensions of Perception of Aging Based on Age and Gender Variable Group Correlation Coefficient (r) p-value * Happiness and Perceptions of Aging Total (N = 300) -0.608 < 0.001 Age Group 60–74 years (n = 252) -0.494 < 0.001 75 years and over (n = 48) -0.621 < 0.001 Gender Men (n = 128) -0.657 < 0.001 Women (n = 172) -0.558 < 0.001 Happiness and Dimensions of Perception of Aging Progressive Course Men 60–74 years (n = 109) -0.597 < 0.001 Women 60–74 years (n = 143) -0.484 < 0.001 Men 75 + years (n = 19) -0.816 < 0.001 Women 75 + years (n = 29) -0.632 < 0.001 Positive Outcomes Men 60–74 years (n = 109) 0.029 0.761 Women 60–74 years (n = 143) 0.012 0.884 Men 75 + years (n = 19) -0.446 0.056 Women 75 + years (n = 29) -0.299 0.116 Positive Control Men 60–74 years (n = 109) 0.489 < 0.001 Women 60–74 years (n = 143) 0.066 0.431 Men 75 + years (n = 19) -0.121 0.622 Women 75 + years (n = 29) 0.555 0.002 Negative Outcomes & Control Men 60–74 years (n = 109) -0.635 < 0.001 Women 60–74 years (n = 143) -0.326 < 0.001 Men 75 + years (n = 19) -0.718 < 0.001 Women 75 + years (n = 29) -0.533 0.003 Emotional Reactions Men 60–74 years (n = 109) -0.450 < 0.001 Women 60–74 years (n = 143) -0.228 0.006 Men 75 + years (n = 19) -0.586 0.008 Women 75 + years (n = 29) -0.412 0.026 * Spearman's Rho Correlation. Table 4 shows that happiness was significantly correlated with ageing perceptions across all demographic subgroups. “Progressive course” and “negative outcomes and control” displayed the strongest inverse correlations with happiness, whereas “positive control” showed positive correlations in several subgroups, most notably among women aged ≥ 75 years. Table 4 Correlation between Happiness and Perceptions of Aging and its Dimensions Based on Age and Gender Groups Variable Group Correlation Coefficient (r) p-value * Correlation of Happiness with Perceptions of Aging Total (N = 300) -0.608 < 0.001 Age Group 60–74 years (n = 252) -0.494 < 0.001 75 years and over (n = 48) -0.621 < 0.001 Gender Men (n = 128) -0.657 < 0.001 Women (n = 172) -0.558 < 0.001 Correlation of Happiness with Dimensions of Perception of Aging Progressive Course Men 60–74 years (n = 109) -0.597 < 0.001 Women 60–74 years (n = 143) -0.484 < 0.001 Men 75 + years (n = 19) -0.816 < 0.001 Women 75 + years (n = 29) -0.632 < 0.001 Positive Outcomes Men 60–74 years (n = 109) 0.029 0.761 Women 60–74 years (n = 143) 0.012 0.884 Men 75 + years (n = 19) -0.446 0.056 Women 75 + years (n = 29) -0.299 0.116 Positive Control Men 60–74 years (n = 109) 0.489 < 0.001¹ Women 60–74 years (n = 143) 0.066 0.431¹ Men 75 + years (n = 19) -0.121 0.622¹ Women 75 + years (n = 29) 0.555 0.002¹ Negative Outcomes & Control Men 60–74 years (n = 109) -0.635 < 0.001¹ Women 60–74 years (n = 143) -0.326 < 0.001¹ Men 75 + years (n = 19) -0.718 < 0.001¹ Women 75 + years (n = 29) -0.533 0.003¹ Emotional Reactions Men 60–74 years (n = 109) -0.450 < 0.001¹ Women 60–74 years (n = 143) -0.228 0.006¹ Men 75 + years (n = 19) -0.586 0.008¹ Women 75 + years (n = 29) -0.412 0.026¹ *Spearman's Rho Correlation. Discussion This study found a significant negative correlation between the perception of ageing and the happiness among older adults. Specifically, more negative ageing perceptions were associated with lower happiness levels. These findings are consistent with the systematic review by Velaithan et al. (2023), which demonstrated that negative attitudes toward ageing are predictive of declines in quality of life and life satisfaction among older adults, whereas positive ageing perceptions were associated with higher levels of subjective well-being ( 12 ). Similarly, a meta-analysis conducted by Westerhof et al. (2023) indicated that negative subjective ageing is directly related to an increased risk of depression and lower levels of psychological health ( 17 ). Recent evidence also suggests that during critical circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults who hold more positive attitudes toward ageing experience higher subjective well-being and demonstrate greater psychological resilience ( 18 ). Collectively, these findings support the notion that the perception of ageing is not merely a cognitive reflection of one’s life course but also a determinant factor in shaping the emotional experience of older adults. Thus, it meaningfully influences overall happiness. The mean ageing perception score was 54.97 ± 8.37. Participants aged 60–74 years had more positive ageing perceptions than older age groups. This finding contrasts with those of Bagheri et al. ( 19 ), who reported the highest levels of ageing perception among older adults aged 75–90 years. Similarly, Yaghoubzadeh et al. ( 20 ) found no significant association between age and feelings of ageing, which differs from the present results. These discrepancies may be attributed to the greater sensitivity of young-old adults to various dimensions of ageing perception. Overall, ageing perception is influenced by a complex set of individual, cultural, and social factors and, therefore, may vary across different populations and age groups ( 21 ). This study found no significant relationship between the perception of ageing and gender. This result is inconsistent with studies by Sadegh Moghadam et al. ( 15 ) among older adults in Gonabad and Yaghoubzadeh et al. ( 20 ) in Qazvin. Previous research suggests that women tend to hold more negative attitudes toward ageing than men, a pattern often linked to cultural stereotypes and heightened concern over physical and biological changes associated with ageing. Moreover, women are reported to feel less control over ageing-related circumstances and to experience greater anxiety about dependency, whereas in men, such perceptions are typically more stable and enduring ( 22 ). The absence of a significant relationship between gender and ageing perception in the present study may be explained by the influence of other mediating or contextual factors that shape individuals’ experience and interpretation of ageing. Examination of ageing perception dimensions across age and gender groups revealed that across all groups, the 'negative consequences and control' dimension had the highest mean score, whereas the 'emotional representations' dimension had the lowest. This pattern indicates that older adults’ primary concerns were related to the negative outcomes of ageing and the perceived loss of control over the ageing process. These findings align with international research. For example, a study conducted in the Netherlands found that negative perceptions of ageing were associated with poorer physical and psychological health among older adults. Individuals who perceived greater negative consequences and diminished control tended to report lower quality of life compared to those with more positive ageing perceptions ( 23 ). A significant association has also been reported between negative attitudes toward ageing and declines in both cognitive and physical functioning ( 24 ). The mean happiness score was 70.66 ± 16.87, with participants aged 60–74 years reporting higher happiness levels than older age groups. These findings are consistent with Shah et al. ( 6 ), who also reported that older adults within the 60–74 age range demonstrated greater levels of happiness and life satisfaction than their older counterparts. Similarly, a study conducted in Tehran, Iran, demonstrated that self-care ability is a significant determinant of happiness among older adults. Young-old individuals tend to exhibit higher happiness levels, which may be attributed to their greater physical capacity and better adaptability to age-related changes ( 25 ). The higher happiness observed among young-old adults may be attributed to their relatively lower exposure to physical changes, dependency, and loss of independence in daily life. Young-old adults generally maintain better physical and mental health, which in turn fosters a more positive perception of ageing and enhances their sense of personal control and self-efficacy. Analysis of happiness by gender indicated that men reported significantly higher happiness scores (73.39 ± 16.77; p = 0.011). In contrast, the study by Mokaberian et al., which examined happiness among active and inactive older adults in Tehran, Iran, found no significant gender differences. These discrepancies may reflect differences in cultural, social, and economic contexts across study populations ( 26 ). Analysis of the relationship between happiness and the dimensions of ageing perception (Table 4 ) revealed that happiness was negatively correlated with the dimensions of “Progressive Course,” “negative outcome and control,” and “emotional representations.” In other words, higher levels of happiness among older adults were accompanied by fewer negative perceptions of ageing, a greater sense of control over life circumstances, and reduced negative emotional responses. This finding is consistent with Iranian research showing that positive ageing perceptions are associated with higher self-efficacy; as a personal resource, self-efficacy enhances an individual’s ability to cope with challenges and may mitigate the adverse effects of negative ageing perceptions ( 27 ). A systematic review further demonstrated that negative ageing attitudes—particularly negative control, negative consequences, and adverse emotional representations—negatively affect quality of life, whereas positive perceptions of ageing and stronger personal control are associated with favorable outcomes ( 12 ). Demographic analysis revealed a significant association between cohabitation status and ageing perception (p < 0.001). Older adults living with their children reported the most negative ageing perceptions, whereas those living with both spouse and children had the most positive perceptions. This finding aligns with evidence from a study in South Korea demonstrating that the type of household living arrangement has a notable impact on well-being; older adults in extended family households may experience more intergenerational conflict and diminished emotional support ( 28 ). A significant difference was also observed with respect to economic status (p < 0.001). Older adults with lower socioeconomic status demonstrated more negative ageing perceptions, whereas those with higher socioeconomic status reported more positive perceptions. This indicates that financial hardship contributes to psychological strain and heightens concerns related to ageing. These findings are consistent with the results of Romdhani et al. (2025), who reported that lower socioeconomic status is associated with increased psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, functional dependency was significantly associated with ageing perception (p < 0.001); older adults with severe functional dependency reported more negative ageing perceptions, whereas functionally independent individuals reported more positive perceptions. Functional dependence in daily activities often leads to feelings of incompetence and diminished personal capability, thereby fostering a more negative perception of ageing. Overall, These findings highlight that ageing perceptions are shaped by social and individual factors, underscoring the need for multifaceted interventions that simultaneously address economic conditions, levels of functional independence, and the quality of family relationships ( 29 ). Conclusion This study demonstrated that negative ageing perceptions—particularly perceptions of decline and diminished personal control—were strongly associated with lower happiness, Conversely, positive control perceptions were associated with higher happiness and may serve as a protective factor. This association was more pronounced among older age groups and in men. Additionally, socioeconomic factors including income, living arrangements, and functional dependency were significantly associated with both happiness and ageing perceptions. These findings are consistent with international research and highlight ageing perceptions as an important correlate of quality of life. The cross-sectional design limits causal inference; therefore, longitudinal studies are needed to establish temporal relationships between ageing perceptions and happiness. Interventions targeting positive ageing perceptions may help maintain happiness and improve quality of life among older adults. Implications for Practice These findings have important implications for nursing practice and health policy. Community health nurses should routinely assess ageing perceptions and incorporate interventions that promote positive views of ageing into care plans. Educational programs focusing on ageing as a natural process with opportunities for growth may help modify negative perceptions. Healthcare systems should address socioeconomic determinants and support functional independence to enhance well-being in older adults. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate The study was approved by the ethics committees of Gonabad and Mazandaran Universities of Medical Sciences, with the ethics code IR.GMU.REC.1399.040. The present study was conducted in accordance with the revised Declaration of Helsinki, which outlines ethical principles guiding physicians and other researchers in medical studies involving human subjects. All participants were informed of the voluntary nature of their participation, the commitment to confidentiality and anonymity of their data and their right to withdraw at any time without consequences. Signed informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to data collection, explaining the study’s purpose, their role, and their rights. Only those who agreed to participate voluntarily signed the consent form. Data Availability The datasets used and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests. Funding This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Authors' contributions SG, FR, AM and LS conceptualized and designed the study. FR wrote the initial draft of manuscript in consultation with AM and LS. HN performed the statistical analysis. SG and ZT collected data. All authors involved in Reviewing and Editing manuscript and approving the final manuscript to be published. Acknowledgments The authors extend their sincere appreciation to the older adults who participated in this study and to the staff of the Qaemshahr Health Center for their valuable cooperation and support throughout the research process. References WHO. Ageing and health Fact sheet: WHO (World Health Organization). [updated 1 October 2024; cited 2025 9/9]. (2024). 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Positive and negative ageing perceptions account for health differences between older immigrant and native populations in the Netherlands. BMC Geriatr. 21 (1), 190 (2021). McGarrigle, C. A., Ward, M. & Kenny, R. A. Negative aging perceptions and cognitive and functional decline: Are you as old as you feel? J. Am. Geriatr. Soc. 70 (3), 777–788 (2022). Bakhtiyary, M. et al. Happiness, sleep quality, and self-care ability among community-dwelling older adults in Tehran, 2023. BMC Geriatr. 24 (1), 1034 (2024). Mokaberian, M., Kashani, V., Kashani, K. & Tajari, S. N. The Comparison of Happiness in Active and Inactive Old Men and Women in Tehran. Dev. Motor Learn. 6 (16), 183–194 (2014). Arjmand-Sangani, M., Sharifzadeh, G., Soltani, N. & Torshizi, M. Investigating the relationship between aging perception and self-efficacy in the older adults: a cross-sectional study in Eastern Iran. BMC Geriatr. 24 (1), 649 (2024). Hwang, E. J. & Sim, I. O. Association of living arrangements with happiness attributes among older adults. BMC Geriatr. 21 (1), 100 (2021). Romdhani, A. et al. Impact of Economic Status on Mental Health in Older Age: A Scoping Review. Sage Open. Aging . 11 , 30495334251343244 (2025). Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8882408","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":598414451,"identity":"113deeca-452e-4cf5-a067-ff21b7762b65","order_by":0,"name":"Sharafoddin Gholinezhad","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Gonabad University of Medical Sciences","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Sharafoddin","middleName":"","lastName":"Gholinezhad","suffix":""},{"id":598414452,"identity":"700267b9-a6c7-476a-9104-d67de226a8e4","order_by":1,"name":"Farhad Rohani","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Gonabad University of Medical Sciences","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Farhad","middleName":"","lastName":"Rohani","suffix":""},{"id":598414453,"identity":"7d0c144f-99d0-43ed-8b65-afd5e4f32cd4","order_by":2,"name":"Ali Mohammadpour","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Gonabad University of Medical Sciences","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ali","middleName":"","lastName":"Mohammadpour","suffix":""},{"id":598414454,"identity":"98f39402-850c-47da-b8d0-341db604c757","order_by":3,"name":"Hossein Nezami","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Gonabad University of Medical Sciences","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hossein","middleName":"","lastName":"Nezami","suffix":""},{"id":598414455,"identity":"dd112c05-4786-49f5-9e92-78d22d8334fd","order_by":4,"name":"Zohreh Taraghi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Zohreh","middleName":"","lastName":"Taraghi","suffix":""},{"id":598414456,"identity":"3fde3f3e-8c65-426e-971c-69d38121a670","order_by":5,"name":"Leila Sadeghmoghadam","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA9klEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACPhDB2ABCzAcOfABy2NgJaGFDaGFLPDgDJMJMvBYe48M8IB5BLfynEx9+3WEn2z/tWMJhm1/b5PmYGRg/fMzBo0Uid7Ox7Jlk4xm3kw8czu27bdjGzMAsOXMbPi2826Ql25gTG26nJRzO7bnNCNTCxsyLTwv/WZCW+sT5t3MMDlv23LYnrIUhd5vkx7bDiRtAWhh+3E4krAXkF8a248YbgQ472NtwO7mNmbEZr1/4+c9ufPizrVp23u3kwx9+/LltO7+9+eCHj3i0gAAzD4zF2AYmG/CrByn5AWf+Iah4FIyCUTAKRiAAAEoKV/5doxa5AAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"Gonabad University of Medical Sciences","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Leila","middleName":"","lastName":"Sadeghmoghadam","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2026-02-14 20:23:14","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8882408/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8882408/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":105034927,"identity":"aa06ad02-f7e5-42d4-a4f2-5c06bc8d2c97","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-20 07:24:51","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1349744,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8882408/v1/96a998fb-a07e-48c3-8fa4-f7998ea55716.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerception of Ageing and Happiness among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Qaemshahr, Iran\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eAgeing has been recognized as one of the most significant demographic transformations of the current century, with profound social, economic, and health-related implications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global population aged 60 years and older reached approximately one billion in 2019 and is projected to increase to 1.4\u0026nbsp;billion by 2030 and exceed 2.1\u0026nbsp;billion by 2050 (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, the United Nations has reported that by 2050, one in every five individuals worldwide will be aged 65 years or older (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). In Iran, based on data from the Statistical Center of Iran, the proportion of the older adult population is expected to rise from 9.9% in 2016 to over 12% by 2026 (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). This rapid demographic shift, particularly in developing countries, underscores the growing need for special attention to the physical and psychological health of older adults.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmong the various dimensions of health in older adults, mental health holds a particularly prominent position. Psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent challenges in later life, significantly affecting quality of life, social participation, and even survival. According to recent statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 14% of individuals aged 60 years and older worldwide live with a mental disorder, accounting for 10% of the total disability burden in this age group (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). One of the key constructs related to mental health in old age is happiness, recognized as a core component of subjective well-being. Happiness is a multidimensional concept encompassing both cognitive components (such as life satisfaction) and affective components (the presence of positive emotions and the reduction of negative emotions)(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). It can be defined as a positive internal experience that reflects an individual\u0026rsquo;s interpretation of their emotional life and cognitive evaluation of their existence; essentially, it represents the extent to which and the manner in which a person values their own life (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). Evidence suggests that higher levels of happiness are associated with reduced risk of mental disorders, improved social functioning, and increased life expectancy (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHappiness is not merely the absence of depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems but rather reflects an individual\u0026rsquo;s overall satisfaction with life and the extent and quality of engagement in pleasurable activities. The presence of happiness among older adults contributes to their overall physical, psychological, and social well-being (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). Numerous studies conducted in Iran have also confirmed the importance of happiness in later life. Ezzati et al. (2023) found that spirituality and social support were positively associated with higher levels of happiness among Iranian older adults and partially explained individual differences in life satisfaction (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, Babazadeh et al. (2025) reported that self-efficacy and self-esteem play significant mediating roles in promoting happiness in old age (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e). Such findings suggest that happiness is influenced not only by individual characteristics but also by broader social and psychological conditions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHappiness, as one of the key indicators of mental health in older adults, is influenced by a wide range of individual, social, and psychological factors (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e). Individuals\u0026rsquo; attitudes and beliefs toward ageing can significantly affect their sense of hope for the future, psychological adaptability, and overall life satisfaction. Therefore, examining the relationship between perception of ageing and happiness provides a theoretical framework for understanding individual differences in psychological well-being among older adults (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePerception of ageing refers to individuals' beliefs, attitudes, and expectations regarding the ageing process. It encompasses multiple dimensions, including timeline (perceptions of ageing onset), consequences (expected outcomes), control (perceived ability to influence ageing), identity (self-perception as old), and emotional responses to ageing (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e). Research has consistently shown that positive perception of ageing is associated with more favorable psychological outcomes, such as greater social adjustment and even reduced mortality rates (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e). Conversely, negative perception of ageing has been linked to higher levels of depression and anxiety, as well as diminished quality of life. A study by Walitan et al. (2024) in Malaysia revealed that older adults with a more positive perception of ageing reported higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, in Iran, Mohammadzadeh et al. (2024) in Bojnourd found that older adults who experienced ageing with a more positive attitude reported higher levels of successful ageing (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite the growing body of evidence on the roles of happiness and perception of ageing in improving quality of life, research in Iran remains limited. Most existing studies have examined these constructs separately, with limited research exploring their interrelationship. Examining their relationship may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the well-being of older adults, particularly in a context where the country is experiencing a rapid increase in its elderly population. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between perception of ageing and happiness among older adults in Qaemshahr, Iran. The findings may inform the design of educational and nursing interventions as well as health policies aimed at promoting mental well-being in older adults.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStudy Design\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 2020 at Qaemshahr, Mazandaran Province, Iran.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eParticipants\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study population comprised all older adults registered at comprehensive community health centers in Qaemshahr.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSampling and Sample Size\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sample included 300 community-dwelling older adults met the inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were: willingness to participate in the study, age\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;60 years, registration at a community health center, adequate hearing and communication ability, and cognitive health (a score of \u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;7 on the Abbreviated Mental Test [AMT]). The exclusion criterion was incomplete questionnaire responses.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA stratified random sampling method was employed. Participants were stratified by gender (male and female) and age group (60\u0026ndash;75 years [young-old]; 76\u0026ndash;90 years [middle-old]; \u0026gt;90 years [oldest-old]). Within each stratum, participants were randomly selected using simple random sampling proportional to stratum size. Due to the small number of individuals in the oldest-old group (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2), this group was combined with the middle-old category for analysis.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSample size was calculated using the formula for correlation studies, with a power of 80% and a significance level of α\u0026thinsp;\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05, resulting in 273 participants. Considering a 10% attrition rate, the final sample size was set at 300.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInstruments\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eDemographic Questionnaire\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis form collected information on age, gender, marital status, educational level, occupation, economic status, health insurance, and history of chronic diseases.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAbbreviated Mental Test (AMT)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe AMT is a 10-item screening tool used to assess cognitive function in older adults. Scores\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;7 indicate normal cognitive function. The Persian version demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.76) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAgeing Perceptions Questionnaire (Barker)\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 17-item instrument assesses five dimensions of ageing perception (timeline, positive consequences, negative consequences, control, and emotional representations) rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Higher scores indicate a more positive perception of ageing. The Persian version was psychometrically validated by Sadegh Moghadam et al. with a Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s alpha of 0.75 (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOxford Happiness Inventory (OHI)\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 29-item questionnaire is rated on a four-point Likert scale (\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR2 CR3\" citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e), with total scores ranging from 29 to 116. Higher scores indicate greater happiness. The Persian version was validated by Alipour et al., with a reported Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s alpha of 0.93 (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData Collection Procedure\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e Following ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committees of Gonabad and Mazandaran Universities of Medical Sciences, participating community health centers were randomly selected from the list of all centers in Qaemshahr. In coordination with community health workers (Behvarz), trained research assistants visited participants' homes, explained the study's purpose and procedures, and obtained written informed consent. Questionnaires were completed in person; for participants with low literacy, items were read aloud and responses recorded verbatim by the interviewer.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eData were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and percentage) were used to summarize the data. The normality of data distribution was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Given the non-normal distribution of data, Spearman\u0026rsquo;s correlation coefficient was used to examine associations between ageing perception and happiness, while the Mann\u0026ndash;Whitney U and Kruskal\u0026ndash;Wallis tests were employed for group comparisons. The significance level was set at p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 for all analyses.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eEthical Considerations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences (approval code: IR.GMU.REC.1399.040) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants after providing a full explanation of the study\u0026rsquo;s objectives. Confidentiality and anonymity were ensured throughout the study. Participants were assigned unique identification codes, and no personal identifiers were recorded on data collection forms.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eDemographic characteristics of the 300 participants are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e. The majority of participants were young-old adults aged 60\u0026ndash;74 years (84%), and 57.3% were women. Most participants were married (72.3%) and reported moderate economic status (78.3%). The majority demonstrated low physical dependency (63.3%), indicating a predominantly independent, community-dwelling elderly population.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSocio-demographic characteristics of the study participants (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;300)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCategory\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency (n)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge (years)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e252\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75 and over\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e69.41\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;18.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e128\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e172\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarital Status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e217\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWidowed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEducation Level\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIlliterate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e136\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnder diploma\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e131\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiploma\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAcademic\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEmployment Status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelf-employed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e77\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRetired\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHousewife\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e113\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEconomic Status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e235\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e78.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHousing Status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePersonal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e240\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRented\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrganizational\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"9\" rowspan=\"10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDisease Status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo disease\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e108\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCardio-pulmonary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHypertension\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiabetes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMusculoskeletal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInfectious\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVision\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHearing\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGastrointestinal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOCD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCohabitation Status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith spouse\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e108\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith spouse and children\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith children\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePhysical Dependency\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e190\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSevere\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e300\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, participants aged\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;75 years had significantly higher negative ageing perception scores (62.89\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.56) and significantly lower happiness scores (55.54\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;11.94) compared to those aged 60\u0026ndash;74 years (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Men reported significantly higher happiness than women (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.011). Ageing perception dimensions also varied by age, with older adults scoring worse on negative domains such as \u0026ldquo;negative outcomes and control\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;emotional reactions.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparison of Mean Scores of Perceptions of Aging and Happiness Based on Age and Gender\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGroup\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep-value\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"6\" rowspan=\"7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePerceptions of Aging\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;300)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge Group\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;252)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53.46\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75 years and over (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62.89\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;128)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53.91\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.058*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;172)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55.76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"6\" rowspan=\"7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHappiness\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;300)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70.66\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16.87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge Group\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;252)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73.54\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75 years and over (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55.54\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;11.94\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;128)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73.39\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16.77\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.011*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;172)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68.63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16.71\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions of Perception of Aging\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eProgressive Course\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;128)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.39\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.522*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;172)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;252)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75 years and over (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.22\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePositive Outcomes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;128)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.42\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.97\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.133*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;172)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;252)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.46\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.72\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.002*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75 years and over (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.14\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePositive Control\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;128)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.85\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.930*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;172)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.85\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;252)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75 years and over (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.27\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNegative Outcomes \u0026amp; Control\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;128)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.171*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;172)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.84\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;252)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75 years and over (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.27\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEmotional Reactions\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;128)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.005*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;172)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;252)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.24\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75 years and over (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e*Mann-Whitney U Test.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e presents correlation coefficients between happiness and ageing perceptions. Happiness showed a strong significant negative correlation with total ageing perception score in the overall sample (r = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.608, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), with stronger correlations observed in participants aged\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;75 years (r = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.621, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) and in male participants (r = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.657, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Negative domains\u0026mdash;including \u0026ldquo;progressive course,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;negative outcomes and control,\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;emotional reactions\u0026rdquo;\u0026mdash;showed the strongest negative correlations with happiness across all subgroups, particularly in the oldest participants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCorrelation between Happiness and Dimensions of Perception of Aging Based on Age and Gender\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGroup\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCorrelation Coefficient (r)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep-value\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"6\" rowspan=\"7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHappiness and Perceptions of Aging\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;300)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.608\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge Group\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;252)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.494\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75 years and over (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.621\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;128)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.657\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;172)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.558\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHappiness and Dimensions of Perception of Aging\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eProgressive Course\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;109)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.597\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;143)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.484\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.816\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;29)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.632\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePositive Outcomes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;109)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.029\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.761\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;143)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.012\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.884\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.446\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.056\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;29)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.299\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.116\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePositive Control\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;109)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.489\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;143)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.066\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.431\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.121\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.622\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;29)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.555\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNegative Outcomes \u0026amp; Control\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;109)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.635\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;143)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.326\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.718\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;29)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.533\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEmotional Reactions\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;109)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.450\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;143)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.228\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.006\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.586\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.008\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;29)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.412\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.026\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e* Spearman's Rho Correlation.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e shows that happiness was significantly correlated with ageing perceptions across all demographic subgroups. \u0026ldquo;Progressive course\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;negative outcomes and control\u0026rdquo; displayed the strongest inverse correlations with happiness, whereas \u0026ldquo;positive control\u0026rdquo; showed positive correlations in several subgroups, most notably among women aged\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;75 years.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCorrelation between Happiness and Perceptions of Aging and its Dimensions Based on Age and Gender Groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGroup\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCorrelation Coefficient (r)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep-value\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"6\" rowspan=\"7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCorrelation of Happiness with Perceptions of Aging\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;300)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.608\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge Group\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;252)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.494\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75 years and over (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.621\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;128)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.657\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;172)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.558\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"25\" rowspan=\"26\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCorrelation of Happiness with Dimensions of Perception of Aging\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eProgressive Course\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;109)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.597\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;143)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.484\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.816\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;29)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.632\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePositive Outcomes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;109)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.029\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.761\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;143)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.012\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.884\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.446\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.056\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;29)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.299\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.116\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePositive Control\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;109)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.489\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u0026sup1;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;143)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.066\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.431\u0026sup1;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.121\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.622\u0026sup1;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;29)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.555\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.002\u0026sup1;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNegative Outcomes \u0026amp; Control\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;109)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.635\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u0026sup1;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;143)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.326\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u0026sup1;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.718\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u0026sup1;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;29)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.533\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.003\u0026sup1;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEmotional Reactions\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;109)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.450\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u0026sup1;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 60\u0026ndash;74 years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;143)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.228\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.006\u0026sup1;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.586\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.008\u0026sup1;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen 75\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;years (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;29)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.412\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.026\u0026sup1;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e*Spearman's Rho Correlation.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study found a significant negative correlation between the perception of ageing and the happiness among older adults. Specifically, more negative ageing perceptions were associated with lower happiness levels. These findings are consistent with the systematic review by Velaithan et al. (2023), which demonstrated that negative attitudes toward ageing are predictive of declines in quality of life and life satisfaction among older adults, whereas positive ageing perceptions were associated with higher levels of subjective well-being (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, a meta-analysis conducted by Westerhof et al. (2023) indicated that negative subjective ageing is directly related to an increased risk of depression and lower levels of psychological health (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e). Recent evidence also suggests that during critical circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults who hold more positive attitudes toward ageing experience higher subjective well-being and demonstrate greater psychological resilience (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e). Collectively, these findings support the notion that the perception of ageing is not merely a cognitive reflection of one\u0026rsquo;s life course but also a determinant factor in shaping the emotional experience of older adults. Thus, it meaningfully influences overall happiness.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe mean ageing perception score was 54.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.37. Participants aged 60\u0026ndash;74 years had more positive ageing perceptions than older age groups. This finding contrasts with those of Bagheri et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e), who reported the highest levels of ageing perception among older adults aged 75\u0026ndash;90 years. Similarly, Yaghoubzadeh et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e) found no significant association between age and feelings of ageing, which differs from the present results. These discrepancies may be attributed to the greater sensitivity of young-old adults to various dimensions of ageing perception. Overall, ageing perception is influenced by a complex set of individual, cultural, and social factors and, therefore, may vary across different populations and age groups (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study found no significant relationship between the perception of ageing and gender. This result is inconsistent with studies by Sadegh Moghadam et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e) among older adults in Gonabad and Yaghoubzadeh et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e) in Qazvin. Previous research suggests that women tend to hold more negative attitudes toward ageing than men, a pattern often linked to cultural stereotypes and heightened concern over physical and biological changes associated with ageing. Moreover, women are reported to feel less control over ageing-related circumstances and to experience greater anxiety about dependency, whereas in men, such perceptions are typically more stable and enduring (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e). The absence of a significant relationship between gender and ageing perception in the present study may be explained by the influence of other mediating or contextual factors that shape individuals\u0026rsquo; experience and interpretation of ageing.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExamination of ageing perception dimensions across age and gender groups revealed that across all groups, the 'negative consequences and control' dimension had the highest mean score, whereas the 'emotional representations' dimension had the lowest. This pattern indicates that older adults\u0026rsquo; primary concerns were related to the negative outcomes of ageing and the perceived loss of control over the ageing process.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese findings align with international research. For example, a study conducted in the Netherlands found that negative perceptions of ageing were associated with poorer physical and psychological health among older adults. Individuals who perceived greater negative consequences and diminished control tended to report lower quality of life compared to those with more positive ageing perceptions (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e). A significant association has also been reported between negative attitudes toward ageing and declines in both cognitive and physical functioning (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe mean happiness score was 70.66\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16.87, with participants aged 60\u0026ndash;74 years reporting higher happiness levels than older age groups. These findings are consistent with Shah et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e), who also reported that older adults within the 60\u0026ndash;74 age range demonstrated greater levels of happiness and life satisfaction than their older counterparts.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSimilarly, a study conducted in Tehran, Iran, demonstrated that self-care ability is a significant determinant of happiness among older adults. Young-old individuals tend to exhibit higher happiness levels, which may be attributed to their greater physical capacity and better adaptability to age-related changes (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e). The higher happiness observed among young-old adults may be attributed to their relatively lower exposure to physical changes, dependency, and loss of independence in daily life. Young-old adults generally maintain better physical and mental health, which in turn fosters a more positive perception of ageing and enhances their sense of personal control and self-efficacy.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnalysis of happiness by gender indicated that men reported significantly higher happiness scores (73.39\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16.77; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.011). In contrast, the study by Mokaberian et al., which examined happiness among active and inactive older adults in Tehran, Iran, found no significant gender differences. These discrepancies may reflect differences in cultural, social, and economic contexts across study populations (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnalysis of the relationship between happiness and the dimensions of ageing perception (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e) revealed that happiness was negatively correlated with the dimensions of \u0026ldquo;Progressive Course,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;negative outcome and control,\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;emotional representations.\u0026rdquo; In other words, higher levels of happiness among older adults were accompanied by fewer negative perceptions of ageing, a greater sense of control over life circumstances, and reduced negative emotional responses. This finding is consistent with Iranian research showing that positive ageing perceptions are associated with higher self-efficacy; as a personal resource, self-efficacy enhances an individual\u0026rsquo;s ability to cope with challenges and may mitigate the adverse effects of negative ageing perceptions (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA systematic review further demonstrated that negative ageing attitudes\u0026mdash;particularly negative control, negative consequences, and adverse emotional representations\u0026mdash;negatively affect quality of life, whereas positive perceptions of ageing and stronger personal control are associated with favorable outcomes (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDemographic analysis revealed a significant association between cohabitation status and ageing perception (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Older adults living with their children reported the most negative ageing perceptions, whereas those living with both spouse and children had the most positive perceptions. This finding aligns with evidence from a study in South Korea demonstrating that the type of household living arrangement has a notable impact on well-being; older adults in extended family households may experience more intergenerational conflict and diminished emotional support (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA significant difference was also observed with respect to economic status (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Older adults with lower socioeconomic status demonstrated more negative ageing perceptions, whereas those with higher socioeconomic status reported more positive perceptions. This indicates that financial hardship contributes to psychological strain and heightens concerns related to ageing. These findings are consistent with the results of Romdhani et al. (2025), who reported that lower socioeconomic status is associated with increased psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, functional dependency was significantly associated with ageing perception (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001); older adults with severe functional dependency reported more negative ageing perceptions, whereas functionally independent individuals reported more positive perceptions. Functional dependence in daily activities often leads to feelings of incompetence and diminished personal capability, thereby fostering a more negative perception of ageing. Overall, These findings highlight that ageing perceptions are shaped by social and individual factors, underscoring the need for multifaceted interventions that simultaneously address economic conditions, levels of functional independence, and the quality of family relationships (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study demonstrated that negative ageing perceptions—particularly perceptions of decline and diminished personal control—were strongly associated with lower happiness, Conversely, positive control perceptions were associated with higher happiness and may serve as a protective factor. This association was more pronounced among older age groups and in men. Additionally, socioeconomic factors including income, living arrangements, and functional dependency were significantly associated with both happiness and ageing perceptions. These findings are consistent with international research and highlight ageing perceptions as an important correlate of quality of life. The cross-sectional design limits causal inference; therefore, longitudinal studies are needed to establish temporal relationships between ageing perceptions and happiness. Interventions targeting positive ageing perceptions may help maintain happiness and improve quality of life among older adults.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImplications for Practice\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese findings have important implications for nursing practice and health policy. Community health nurses should routinely assess ageing perceptions and incorporate interventions that promote positive views of ageing into care plans. Educational programs focusing on ageing as a natural process with opportunities for growth may help modify negative perceptions. Healthcare systems should address socioeconomic determinants and support functional independence to enhance well-being in older adults.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was approved by the ethics committees of Gonabad and Mazandaran Universities of Medical Sciences, with the ethics code IR.GMU.REC.1399.040. The present study was conducted in accordance with the revised Declaration of Helsinki, which outlines ethical principles guiding physicians and other researchers in medical studies involving human subjects. All participants were informed of the voluntary nature of their participation, the commitment to confidentiality and anonymity of their data and their right to withdraw at any time without consequences. Signed informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to data collection, explaining the study’s purpose, their role, and their rights. Only those who agreed to participate voluntarily signed the consent form.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Availability\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets used and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors' contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSG, FR, AM and LS conceptualized and designed the study. FR wrote the initial draft of manuscript in consultation with AM and LS. HN performed the statistical analysis. SG and ZT collected data. All authors involved in Reviewing and Editing manuscript and approving the final manuscript to be published.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors extend their sincere appreciation to the older adults who participated in this study and to the staff of the Qaemshahr Health Center for their valuable cooperation and support throughout the research process.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWHO. Ageing and health Fact sheet: WHO (World Health Organization). [updated 1 October 2024; cited 2025 9/9]. (2024). 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Ageism and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review. \u003cem\u003eGerontol. geriatric Med.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e8\u003c/b\u003e, 23337214221087023 (2022).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBakhtiyari, F. et al. Validation of Persian Version of Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) in Elderly Residents of Kahrizak Charity Foundation. \u003cem\u003eIran. J. Diabetes Lipid Disorders\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cb\u003e13\u003c/b\u003e (6), 487\u0026ndash;494 (2014).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSadegh Moghadam, L. et al. Aging Perception in Older Adults. \u003cem\u003eSalmand: Iran. J. Aging\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cb\u003e10\u003c/b\u003e (4), 202\u0026ndash;209 (2016).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlipour, A. \u0026amp; Agah Heris, M. Reliability and Validity of Oxford Happiness Inventory Among Iranians. \u003cem\u003eDev. Psychol. (Journal Iran. Psychologists)\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cb\u003e3\u003c/b\u003e (12), 287\u0026ndash;298 (2007).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWesterhof, G. J. et al. Longitudinal effects of subjective aging on health and longevity: An updated meta-analysis. \u003cem\u003ePsychol. Aging\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cb\u003e38\u003c/b\u003e (3), 147 (2023).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChen, J-J., Liu, L-F. \u0026amp; Shea, J. L. The Impact of Positive Self-Perceptions of Aging on Subjective Well‐Being through the Mediation of Psychological Resilience among Community‐Dwelling Older Adults during COVID‐19 in Taiwan. Health \u0026amp; Social Care in the Community. ;2024(1):4755146. (2024).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBaghery, S., Sadeghmoghadam, L. \u0026amp; Bassirymoghadam, M. 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Social Sci.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e65\u003c/b\u003e (1), 91\u0026ndash;96 (2010).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNieboer, A. P., van den Broek, T. \u0026amp; Cramm, J. M. Positive and negative ageing perceptions account for health differences between older immigrant and native populations in the Netherlands. \u003cem\u003eBMC Geriatr.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e21\u003c/b\u003e (1), 190 (2021).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMcGarrigle, C. A., Ward, M. \u0026amp; Kenny, R. A. Negative aging perceptions and cognitive and functional decline: Are you as old as you feel? \u003cem\u003eJ. Am. Geriatr. Soc.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e70\u003c/b\u003e (3), 777\u0026ndash;788 (2022).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBakhtiyary, M. et al. Happiness, sleep quality, and self-care ability among community-dwelling older adults in Tehran, 2023. \u003cem\u003eBMC Geriatr.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e24\u003c/b\u003e (1), 1034 (2024).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMokaberian, M., Kashani, V., Kashani, K. \u0026amp; Tajari, S. N. The Comparison of Happiness in Active and Inactive Old Men and Women in Tehran. \u003cem\u003eDev. Motor Learn.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e6\u003c/b\u003e (16), 183\u0026ndash;194 (2014).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArjmand-Sangani, M., Sharifzadeh, G., Soltani, N. \u0026amp; Torshizi, M. Investigating the relationship between aging perception and self-efficacy in the older adults: a cross-sectional study in Eastern Iran. \u003cem\u003eBMC Geriatr.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e24\u003c/b\u003e (1), 649 (2024).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHwang, E. J. \u0026amp; Sim, I. O. Association of living arrangements with happiness attributes among older adults. \u003cem\u003eBMC Geriatr.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e21\u003c/b\u003e (1), 100 (2021).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRomdhani, A. et al. Impact of Economic Status on Mental Health in Older Age: A Scoping Review. \u003cem\u003eSage Open. Aging\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cb\u003e11\u003c/b\u003e, 30495334251343244 (2025).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Perception of ageing, Happiness, Older adults","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8882408/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8882408/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAgeing is accompanied by psychological and social changes that can significantly affect quality of life. Happiness and perception of ageing are key components of mental health in later life and play a decisive role in adaptation and well-being among older adults. Given the importance of these factors, the present study aimed to examine the relationship between perception of ageing and happiness among older adults in Qaemshahr, Iran, in 2020.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis descriptive\u0026ndash;correlational study was conducted on 300 older adults covered by community health centers who met the inclusion criteria. Participants were selected using a stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Persian version of the Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (APQ), and the Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, percentage) and inferential statistics, including Spearman\u0026rsquo;s correlation coefficient, Mann\u0026ndash;Whitney U test, and Kruskal\u0026ndash;Wallis test.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe findings revealed a significant negative correlation between perception of ageing and happiness among older adults (r = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.608, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Moreover, both perception of ageing and happiness were significantly associated with age, gender, economic status, cohabitation status, and level of dependency (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe results indicate that older adults\u0026rsquo; perception of the ageing process plays a determining role in their level of happiness. Promoting a more positive attitude toward ageing can be an important strategy for enhancing mental health and quality of life in older adults. Psychosocial and educational interventions aimed at fostering a positive perception of ageing are therefore recommended.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Perception of Ageing and Happiness among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Qaemshahr, Iran","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-03-02 17:58:39","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8882408/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"97e6eac4-aa8a-4d3a-8ee8-a761dc3c49bc","owner":[],"postedDate":"March 2nd, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":63793385,"name":"Health sciences/Health care"},{"id":63793386,"name":"Biological sciences/Psychology"},{"id":63793387,"name":"Social science/Psychology"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-03-19T04:39:59+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-03-02 17:58:39","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8882408","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8882408","identity":"rs-8882408","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}