Ageing Happily in Ghana: How Does Social Inclusion Contribute?

Abstract Background Promoting happiness has become increasingly important in old age for a wide range of reasons. In this study, we aim to examine the association between social inclusion (SI) and happiness among older adults in Ghana and identify the mediating factors. Methods The study included 1201 community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 (mean age = 66.4 ± SD 11.9 years; 63.3 from the 2016–2018 Ageing, Health, Psychological Well-being, and Health-seeking Behaviour Study. We assessed happiness with a self-rated and cross-culturally validated item on a five-point scale. SI was operationalised using the modified Berkman–Syme Social Network Index. The hypothesised associations were evaluated by hierarchical regressions and bootstrapping techniques from Hayes' PROCESS macro programme. Results The prevalence of happiness was 24.3all of the time), 43.6most of the time), 28.3little of the time), and 3.7none of the time). After controlling for potential confounders, higher SI was associated with increased levels of happiness (odds ratio (OR) = 1.36; 95CI) = 1.16–2.51). Aside from family/friends contacts, all other SI domains positively influenced happiness (OR = 1.45–1.81). The link between SI and happiness was mediated by depressive symptoms (65.2, generalised anxiety (30.1, and sleep problems (9.5. Conclusions Our data suggest that psychological factors may largely explain the positive SI-happiness link. Efforts should target these factors to promote happiness in old age. Longitudinal analysis may confirm our findings.