Happiness: Cultural Meaning of the Concept in Elderly People without Social Security

María de los Ángeles Aguilera-Velasco

Universidad de Guadalajara. Calle Sierra Mojada Puerta Edificio N Planta Alta, Colonia Independencia. Guadalajara Jalisco, México

Martín Acosta-Fernández

Universidad de Guadalajara. Calle Sierra Mojada Puerta Edificio N Planta Alta, Colonia Independencia. Guadalajara Jalisco, México

Sergio Adalberto Franco-Chávez

Universidad de Guadalajara. Calle Sierra Mojada Puerta Edificio N Planta Alta, Colonia Independencia. Guadalajara Jalisco, México

Blanca Elizabeth Pozos-Radillo

Universidad de Guadalajara. Calle Sierra Mojada Puerta Edificio N Planta Alta, Colonia Independencia. Guadalajara Jalisco, México

DOI: https://doi.org/10.20448/journal.500.2017.42.88.93

Keywords: Happiness, Elderly, Social security, Cultural meanings.


Abstract

The goal of this investigation is to describe cultural meanings of the concept of happiness in the elderly without social security retirement benefits. Information was gathered by using the free listing technique. The analysis applied the cultural dominance model. The concept of happiness was defined by the word children in a mutual help relationship. The main component of happiness was health. Happiness practices were joy and love. The relevant attribute was being content. Satisfactions associated with happiness were achieving aspirations, peace, laughter, home, faith and God. Worries about happiness were seen in heaven, counting, siblings, lack of money and lack of medicine. It reached the conclusion that children are indispensable for the happiness of the elderly without social security retirement benefits. We propose designing and carrying out educational awareness programs so their children may become aware of the major role they play in the life of their elderly parents.

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