Elderly Happiness: A Bibliometric Analysis

The global aging population is projected to double by 2050, underscoring the urgency of understanding determinants of well-being in later life. Happiness, a core dimension of subjective well-being, profoundly influences mental, physical, and social health in older adults. This bibliometric analysis maps the intellectual landscape of research on happiness among older adults from 2014 to 2024, identifying trends, contributors, and thematic evolution. Using 2,152 Scopus-indexed articles, we employed Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and Excel to analyse productivity trends, co-authorship networks, co-citation patterns, and keyword dynamics. Results revealed consistent growth in publications, with a notable surge post-2018. The United States, China, and the United Kingdom dominated contributions, while the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health emerged as the most active journal. Early research focused on psychological constructs, while recent studies adopted interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating social, cultural, and physical dimensions of happiness. Emerging themes include the role of resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and innovative interventions such as music and emotion-based therapies. Despite advancements, gaps remain in understanding the long-term effects of contemporary challenges on elderly well-being, emphasizing the need for longitudinal and qualitative studies to deepen insights into this critical area.