CHILDREN’S ROLES AND THE CHANGE IN HAPPINESS AMONG THAI ELDERLY BEFORE AND AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

This study aims to investigate changes in happiness before and after COVID-19 among two groups of elders: those with children and those without children (N = 88,714), and those residing with children and those who do not (N = 80,894). The data from the Survey of the Older Persons in Thailand conducted by the National Statistical Office in 2014, 2017, and 2021 are analyzed using the Difference-in-Differences model (DID). The results show that prior to COVID-19, elders who had children and elders who resided with children reported significantly higher levels of happiness compared to those who did not have children and did not live with children, respectively. After COVID-19, there has been a significant decrease in the happiness of the elderly. Elders who have children and elders who live with children experience a greater decrease in happiness compared to those who do not have children and those who do not live with children, respectively. These results indicate that the role of children and living arrangements affects the happiness of Thai elderly, especially during COVID-19. Therefore, implementing policies for the elderly that consider household characteristics and environmental contexts for each group is important for improving their happiness.