Published
2017-12-13
Issue
Section
Articles
How to Cite
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.