Happiness in and out of nursing homes: The case of Cyprus

Abstract

This study measures the level of happiness among elderly Cypriots living in their own home environments and in nursing homes. We find that the elderly living in their own home are significantly happier than the elderly living in nursing homes. On the basis of these findings, we propose that the role of social workers could be valuable regarding happiness of older Cypriots. Within the frame of the current results, we have identified a lack of alternative housing options in Cyprus that would combine home environment with adequate health and social care for older people.