Perceived burdensomeness and happiness in cohabiting older adults: The serial mediating roles of mental well-being and loneliness

Background Aging-related changes and increased dependence on family members may negatively affect older adults’ psychological well-being. Perceived burdensomeness refers to the belief that one is a burden on others and has been associated with lower happiness, reduced mental well-being, and greater loneliness. Among adults living with their families, mental well-being and loneliness may explain how perceived burdensomeness relates to happiness in later life. Purpose This study examined the associations between perceived burdensomeness and happiness among older adults living with their families and evaluated the serial mediating roles of mental well-being and loneliness. Methods This cross-sectional study included individuals aged ≥65 years residing with family members in a city in Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea region. Data were collected from 273 older adults; after preliminary screening, 7 cases were excluded, resulting in a final analytic sample of N = 266. Measures included the Geriatric Feelings of Burdensomeness Scale, WHO-5, the Happiness Scale, and the Loneliness Scale for the Elderly. Serial mediation was tested using a regression-based approach with bootstrap confidence intervals. Results Perceived burdensomeness was associated with lower mental well-being and higher loneliness. The total association between burdensomeness and happiness was negative (β=-0.467), and more than two-thirds of this association operated indirectly through mental well-being and loneliness. Conclusion and Implications Perceived burdensomeness was associated with lower happiness among older adults living with their families, primarily through reduced mental well-being and increased loneliness. In geriatric nursing and primary care, routinely assessing these psychosocial factors and implementing family-centered and social support-oriented interventions may help improve happiness.