Positive Emotions Profiles among the Elderly Living in a Nursing Home

Elderly people living in nursing homes are often associated with declining psychological conditions due to social limitations and distance from family. However, few studies have described how the elderly can still experience positive emotions in these situations. This study aims to explore the positive emotions of the elderly living in a nursing home. The theoretical framework draws on the theory of positive emotions by Shiota et al. This study used a qualitative approach with a phenomenological method to understand the meaning of participants’ positive emotional experiences. Participants consisted of four elderly (two males and two females) living in a nursing home, and were between 65 and 85 years of age. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and the seven dimensions of Shiota Dispositions of Positive Emotions as a reference. Data validity was tested using member checking. The results showed that all seven dimensions of positive emotions emerged with varying intensity and expression across participants. Joy and satisfaction were the most dominant and stable dimensions, while amusement and awe were more limited. Elderly women tend to display positive, relational emotions, while elderly men emphasize self-esteem and feelings of worthiness. The emergence of positive emotions is influenced by internal factors such as self-acceptance, meaning of life, and spirituality, as well as external factors such as social relationships and nursing home services.

Introduction

Every human being goes through a life cycle, a process of change from birth to death, involving psychosocial, cognitive, and physical changes. One phase experienced by individuals is old age. According to Article 1 of The Indonesian Law Number 13 of 1998 on Elderly Welfare, elderly are individuals who have reached the age of 60 years and above, and elderly people is divided into three age groups namely Pre-Elderly (age 60–69 years), Middle Elderly (age 70–79 years), and Old Elderly (age 80 years and above) (Badan Pusat Statistik Provinsi Jambi, 2022).

Various socioeconomic aspects, such as improved health services, access to education, employment opportunities, and quality of life, contribute to increased life expectancy (Schoenet al., 2015). These improvements also resulted in a reduction of mortality rates, with more individuals surviving to adulthood. As a result, as informed by the World Health Organization (2021), globally, the number of individuals aged 60 and above will triple by 2050. In the case of Indonesia, the number of elderly people is increasing, from 11.1% in 2023 to 12% in 2024 of the total population. The increasing number of elderly requires the government and society to pay special attention, especially to the welfare, family support, and health aspects of the elderly.

According to Santrock (2019), aging, which occurs at age 60 and above, is the final stage of individual development. Elderly is characterized by various biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that occur with increasing age. Physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that occur in the elderly have the potential to cause health problems. Biological changes in the elderly are characterized by reduced skin elasticity, resulting in wrinkles, graying, and thinning hair, decreased muscle mass, and physical strength. Furthermore, various organ functions, such as the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, and others, also decline. Sensory acuity, such as sight, smell, and hearing are also declines, as does balance and body coordination (Preston & Biddell, 2021). Cognitive decline in the elderly is shown by slow thinking and memory processes, difficulty focusing attention, and taking longer in learning new things, and cognitive impairment, namely dementia and Alzheimer’s. With increasing age, the elderly experience psychological changes. They are more susceptible to loneliness or depression due to the loss of a husband or wife, friend, or social role within their family and community. In these situations, they desperately need emotional support from those around them. The elderly also experience a decline in social activities due to their physical and health limitations. Since they have retired, the elderly are highly dependent on their families financially.

With the occurrence of various declines in biological and psychological functions in the elderly, families consider the elderly as a burden. Families are too busy to be able to meet the needs of the elderly. Therefore, families decide to place their elderly parents in nursing homes (Amalia, 2017). Placing their elderly parents in nursing homes indirectly causes children’s attention to their elderly parents to decrease, and their interaction and communication also become limited (Triwantiet al., 2014). In fact, the elderly have the right to choose where to live to enjoy their old age, whether in a nursing home or at home with the family. However, it is common for the elderly who still have family members to end up in nursing homes. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that many elderly people experience role changes and are less respected or even not accepted, ultimately leading to feelings of loneliness (Courtin & Knapp, 2017). This leads to a tendency for the elderly to fail to experience positive emotions, ultimately lowering their level of life satisfaction (Khoirunnisa & Nurchayati, 2023).

Previous research on positive emotions in the elderly has been conducted on the general elderly population, but few have examined the elderly in nursing homes. A study by Gariépyet al. (2016) revealed that social support plays a significant role in the emotional well-being of the elderly; nevertheless elderly in nursing homes often have limited access to this support. Furthermore, most research on elderly well-being focuses on negative aspects such as depression and anxiety (Caiet al., 2023). However, research on how to foster positive emotions in elderly residents of nursing homes remains limited, despite the crucial role positive emotions play in improving their quality of life (Fredrickson, 2013). Knowing this, the researchers were interested in conducting a study entitled Positive Emotional Profiles among Elderly Living in Nursing Homes. So the problem that this research wants to answer is what the picture of positive emotions of elderly living in nursing homes is, and how the differences in positive emotions are between male and female elderly living in nursing homes?

Literature Review

Positive Emotions

According to Shiotaet al. (2006), positive emotions are a collection of emotional states that can improve an individual’s well-being and support in managing social relationships and exploring the environment. Positive emotions do not originate from only one dimension (for example, happiness or general satisfaction), but rather consist of a variety of different feelings (Shiotaet al., 2006). Each positive emotion has its own unique characteristics and functions that contribute to how individuals interpret their lives. However, each dimension of positive emotions is often considered similar because they tend to correlate highly with each other (Tong, 2015). Furthermore, each dimension of positive emotions can be distinguished not only by their intensity or subjective experience, but also by how individuals evaluate the situation or object that triggers the emotion (Tong, 2015). These include, for example, the relevance of the situation to personal goals, the level of difficulty encountered, control over the situation (either self-control, control over others, or control over circumstances), and the comfort or clarity felt during the emotional experience (Tong, 2015).

Shiotaet al. (2006) stated that positive emotions include seven diverse feelings, namely joy, contentment, pride, love, compassion, amusement, and awe. The following are descriptions of each positive emotion. (1) Joy is an emotion with a high level of energetic involvement, felt when an individual perceives an opportunity to increase resources (such as money, achievement, or satisfaction) that require effort to achieve; (2) Contentment is an emotion that arises when what an individual has, whether in the form of resources or achievements, is sufficient to meet their needs. Satisfaction drives individuals to enjoy their current life circumstances and appreciate their accomplishments; (3) Pride arises when individuals successfully accomplish something socially valued, which increases their social status within a group. This improvement entitles individuals to greater benefits, such as opportunities or resources. Pride is also referred to as a social emotion because it involves comparing oneself with others and is usually aimed at gaining recognition; (4) Love is a positive emotional component related to attachment. Love arises when individuals feel connected to a caregiver/other individual who is trustworthy and provides attentive care, so that the individual feels secure and ready to fully accept the attention or assistance from the other individual; (5) Compassion is a feeling of concern for the well-being of another individual, which encourages caring behavior toward those in need. This emotion arises when an individual perceives signs indicating that another individual is in a situation that requires attention, such as vulnerability, helplessness, humor, and suffering. This feeling is closely related to the development of close and intimate relationships; (6) Amusement arises when an individual experiences a change in their way of thinking while contemplating something, such as when hearing the punchline of a joke. Experiencing amusement can increase an individual’s ability to think more creatively or come up with new, unexpected ideas; (7) Awe is an emotion that arises when an individual experiences something completely new, extraordinary, or difficult to understand with their current knowledge. In this state, the brain attempts to adjust or update the individual’s understanding to grasp this new and complex experience.

Various studies have reported that positive emotions in the elderly are influenced by various internal and external factors. First is emotional motivation and time perspective. According to Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST), when individuals realize that their life span is limited, they prioritize pleasurable emotional experiences over pursuing long-term goals. The elderly focus more on positive experiences in the present and tend to avoid negative situations (Carstensen, 2006, as cited in Scheibe & Carstensen, 2010).

Second is increased emotional regulation. With increasing age, an individual’s ability to manage emotions also improves. The elderly more frequently use effective emotion regulation strategies, such as situation selection and cognitive reinterpretation, to maintain emotional stability. This develops through lifelong experience and learning (Scheibe & Blanchard-Fields, 2009, as cited in Scheibe & Carstensen, 2010).

Third is the positivity effect. Since the elderly tend to pay more attention to and remember positive information than negative information, known as the positivity effect. This is considered part of the cognitive process, which is aimed at improving emotional well-being (Mather & Carstensen, 2005, as cited in Scheibe & Carstensen, 2010).

Fourth is decreased physiological reactivity. Although the elderly report similar emotional feelings to younger adults, their physiological reactions to stress or negative emotions are often lower. This is thought to reduce the impact of negative experiences on their well-being (Tsai et al. 2000, as cited in Scheibe & Carstensen, 2010; Kunzmann & Grühn, 2005, as cited in Scheibe & Carstensen, 2010).

Five is social and environmental strategies. The elderly are more selective in their social relationships, tending to maintain connections with emotionally close people and avoiding conflict. They also use more contextual and adaptive problem-solving strategies when facing interpersonal challenges (Lang, 2001; Charles & Carstensen, 2007, as cited in Scheibe & Carstensen, 2010).

Six changes in emotional goals. As older adults age, their motivation focuses more on maintaining positive emotions and avoiding negative ones. They are also more comfortable with experiencing mixed emotions, such as feeling both happy and sad simultaneously (Carstensen et al., 2000, in Scheibe & Carstensen, 2010).

Seven is biological factors. Some researchers suspect that a decline in brain structures related to emotion (such as the amygdala) may reduce responses to negative stimuli. However, neuroimaging evidence suggests that older adults actively use brain areas associated with emotional control, and this is not simply a result of biological degeneration (Mather et al., 2004; Samanez-Larkin & Carstensen, as cited in Scheibe & Carstensen, 2010).

Gender Differences of Positive Emotions

Elderly men experience a significant decline in positive emotions between the ages of 60 and 70 (Li, 2023). This decline is associated with increased experiences of loss and worsening physical conditions. Elderly men tend to be more reserved in expressing their emotions or avoid discussing their feelings, and are less likely to seek help when facing stress, which can exacerbate loneliness and slow recovery. Martin (2024) states that elderly men are influenced by masculine norms that emphasize the prohibition of showing weakness, including in the form of emotional expression. Furthermore, elderly men are also more susceptible to prolonged forms of grief, which can inhibit the emergence of positive emotions and prolong periods of emotional stress (Nairet al., 2021). Elderly men tend to have more difficulty seeking social support when facing emotional crises. They also have a harder time recovering from loss, which can result in decreased happiness and increased feelings of loneliness (Li, 2023; Martin, 2024).

Elderly women tend to experience an increase in positive emotions with age, particularly after menopause (Li, 2023). In fact, between the ages of 90 and 99, women show a sharp increase in positive emotions. Elderly women’s openness in expressing their emotions also contributes to better emotional well-being. They are more likely to seek help and support when experiencing difficulties, which speeds recovery and increases happiness (Nairet al., 2021). Nairet al. (2021) also stated that elderly women are more adaptive in dealing with social loss because they are better able to form new social relationships and express grief in a healthy manner.

Elderly Who Lived in a Nursing Home

Nursing homes are facilities designed to meet the needs of the elderly by providing social services. The purpose of nursing homes is to improve the well-being and quality of life of the elderly, meet their living needs, and enhance the role of the community in empowering the elderly (Septiariniet al., 2019). The function of nursing homes supports the realization of healthy aging, or staying healthy as people grow old (Österholmet al., 2023). WHO states that a crucial aspect of healthy aging is care tailored to individual needs and a supportive environment, so that individuals can remain active and independent as they grow old. To be able to engage in meaningful activities as part of healthy aging, interventions are needed that address emotional and social needs and provide opportunities to build meaningful relationships (Österholmet al., 2023).

The nursing homes support healthy aging, and the transition to these empowerment facilities represents a significant change for the elderly, with both positive and negative impacts. On the one hand, nursing homes can provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment. On the other hand, adapting to this new environment requires significant emotional adjustments, such as grief and sorrow due to the loss of independence (Gilbertet al., 2015; Sullivan & Williams, 2017). Therefore, the elderly’s perceptions of nursing home accommodation play a significant role in their daily lives, which can have an impact on both emotional and physical well-being, especially for those with functional limitations (Corneliussonet al., 2020; Vaaraet al., 2016).

The well-being of the elderly is closely related to various aspects, one of which is positive emotions. According to Santrock (2019), in general, the elderly’s feelings tend to be more stable than those of younger adults. Their emotional lives are more regular, with fewer fluctuations. However, although older adults may experience lower levels of happiness, they are more satisfied, especially when they connect positively with friends and family. Furthermore, research by Laureiro Martinez, Trujillo, and Unda in 2017 (as cited in Santrock, 2019) concluded that while the elderly tend to experience negative emotions such as sadness, overall, their emotions are more positive and less affected by things that can trigger significant stress or anxiety, compared to younger adults.

Aging is often associated with affective benefits such as increased positive emotions and improved emotional regulation. However, these benefits typically decline, especially after the age of 70 (Sturmet al., 2022). According to Hawkleyet al. (2019), after the age of 75, the elderly are more susceptible to increased negative emotions, which can impact their emotional balance, making it more difficult to maintain positive emotions. When the elderly experience persistent negative emotions, this can worsen their physical and mental health and increase the risk of various serious health problems, even death (Sturmet al., 2022).

Method

Ethical clearance of this study was provided by the Centre for Ethics, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia No: 001U/III/PPPE.PM.10.05/03/2025. This study applied a qualitative approach by implementing a semi-structured interview with four elderly individuals (two females and two males) who live in a nursing home in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. The participants were purposively selected, namely elderly people aged between 65–85 years, which according to Santrock (2019) is categorized as young old. According to Santrock (2019), the elderly in this age range tend to be more flexible in accepting changes and still have active social networks compared to the age group above 69 years (Santrock, 2019). Furthermore, although the young old are starting to experience declines in body functions such as hearing, stamina, and vision, the young old are elderly people who are still relatively healthy and physically active, so they are more responsive in research that requires active participation. Changes that occur in the young old can still have an impact on positive emotions, making this age group interesting to study (Papalia & Feldman, 2019).

The protocol interview was developed by a researcher referring to the Dispositional Positive Emotion Scales (DPES) developed by Shiotaet al. (2006). A tape recorder was used to record the interview. Prior to interview, informed consent to each participant and signed.

Thematic analysis was implemented in analysing the data. Thematic analysis is a method used in research aimed at exploring qualitative data to identify related patterns within a phenomenon and explain the extent to which the phenomenon occurs from the researcher’s perspective (Fereday & Muis-Cochrane, 2006, as cited in Heriyanto, 2018). The steps taken by the researcher after data collection were to re-listen to the interview recordings and convert them into verbatim transcripts. Then, the researcher re-read the transcripts to understand the data being studied. Coding sentences is the process of labeling that conveys meaning (Willig, 2013). In this case, researchers sort and determine which transcript data needs to be coded. Next, researchers sort the coding results and organize them into themes. Braun and Clarke (2006) stated that the search for themes must be in line with the research objectives. The themes sought should be those that can describe important aspects related to the research questions. The final step is to organize these themes into a written report. Member checking was used in validating data interpretation.

Results and Discussion

Profile of the Participants

Table I shows the demographic characteristics of the four participants (2 males and 2 females) and their age range, 65–85 years. The four participants had diverse backgrounds, resulting in diverse life experiences and responses to positive emotions. The following are descriptions of their characteristics.

Table I. Characteristics of Participants

Initials	R	K	G	Y
Age	78	71	68	81
Gender	Male	Male	Female	Female
Stay in the nursing home	2 years	1 year	9 mos	2 years
Marriage status	Married twice	Unmarried	Unmarried	Divorced dead

R (78 years) has been a resident of a nursing home for approximately two years. Before deciding to settle in the nursing home, R lived alone and often worked as a broker. R did this job after his bakery business went bankrupt due to his involvement in gambling. When R switched from bakery business owner to broker, R revealed that he really enjoyed the job. Furthermore, because R is an individual who loves to work, he often works without looking at the situation and his body condition. This then led to deep fatigue, which caused R to have to rest in a nursing home. R decided to stay in the nursing home of his own free will, although the decision was not free from his nephew’s concerns about R’s condition at that time. After two years of living in the nursing home, R felt that his physical condition had improved. However, he began to feel bored and tired of the routine in the nursing home. R expressed his desire to leave the nursing home, return to work, meet his old friends, and live a freer life like before.

Physically, R is considered quite healthy. Significant changes have occurred since he first entered the nursing home. Initially, R experienced high blood sugar and blood pressure, requiring regular therapy, medication, and a healthy lifestyle. R’s blood pressure and blood sugar levels are now within normal limits. However, R still experiences stiff joints, so he regularly participates in morning exercises to help maintain flexibility. Emotionally, R felt bored and fed up in the nursing home. Furthermore, he often distanced himself from other residents who didn’t get along with him. This was because R wanted to protect his feelings and focus on reaping good things in his old age. R rarely felt joy because he felt isolated from the outside world and had limited access. R’s act of distancing himself demonstrated inner peace, meaning he wasn’t filled with excessive worry about relationships or death; R’s emotions weren’t easily shaken or exploded, and he accepted his situation and felt content for the moment. R also surrendered everything to God because he believed that what he was going through was God’s best plan.

K (71 years) has been a resident of a nursing home for approximately one year. Before deciding to live in the nursing home, K lived alone in his own house, filling his free time with playing guitar, sleeping late, and smoking. Initially, K was hesitant and rejected his sister’s suggestion to stay in the nursing home—mainly due to his unhealthy lifestyle and unmarried status. This made K vulnerable without a companion who can take care of him in his old age. However, after pondering, he finally accepted the decision. While staying at the nursing home, K lived his life full of joy and gratitude. He actively participates in various activities, maximizes every opportunity, and always tries to maintain a positive spirit within himself.

Physically, K takes medication for his smoking history. Despite this, he is considered a healthy, independent elderly person compared to other residents. He can do standing exercises most of the time, engage in moderately strenuous physical activity, and actively assist the nurses. Currently, K’s younger brother consistently visits once a month to take him to treatment. Furthermore, K maintains his physical health and minimizes decline by adhering to the nursing home’s rules and routines. Emotionally, K is filled with joy and a positive attitude. This is based on his acceptance of his situation without complaint. He acknowledges that his presence at the nursing home is a divine intervention, and he must strive to be happy and grateful. Furthermore, a positive outlook also plays a role in building K’s current character. He consistently maintains his spirits and radiates positive energy in his surroundings.

G (68 years) has been a resident of the nursing home for about nine months. Before deciding to live in the nursing home, G worked as a nun. G grew up in a family that was educated and strict in all aspects of life, from financial, mental, physical, to spiritual. This education was then instilled by G throughout her life. Throughout her life, G emphasized the importance of compassion for others and continuously strived to improve. She was tireless in providing service and showing compassion in real terms, especially to those in need. As she grew old, G began to experience a significant decline in her physical condition and did not want to bother others, so she decided to live in a nursing home.

Physically, G is considered quite healthy. She admits that her physical condition has declined, especially after a fall several years ago. Furthermore, in the early days, G’s arrival at the nursing home. G suffered from heart disease, which made her a dependent elderly person. However, G currently undergoes regular check-ups with the doctor at the hospital and has shown significant progress. G is still able to perform basic activities independently, such as maintaining personal hygiene, participating in group activities at the nursing home, and walking slowly. She also actively participates in activities and occasionally helps both residents and nurses, while remaining mindful of her physical condition and not overexerting herself. Emotionally, G demonstrates a relatively stable and mature state, marked by her ability to accept the realities of life in a nursing home without complaint. She admits to still striving for happiness and emphasizes the importance of gratitude and acceptance. G stated that the happiness she currently experiences does not stem from material things or major achievements, but from a sense of sufficiency and meaning in her daily life. Throughout her life at the nursing home, G has strong and healthy connections with visiting family, nurses, and other residents. G maintains positive relationships with others, and she often asks for help from other residents.

Y (81 years) has been a resident of a nursing home for approximately two years. Before deciding to move to the nursing home, Y lived with her son. Y’s decision to move to the nursing home stemmed from a lack of desire to burden her son. Furthermore, her son felt uneasy, given that his busy work schedule limited his ability to provide adequate care for his mother. Consequently, her son responded positively to Y’s decision. Nevertheless, after Y moved to the nursing home, her son frequently visited her whenever possible. Physically, Y is considered healthy, despite having high blood sugar levels and experiencing visual impairment. She greets each day cheerfully and is able to joke and laugh with others. Y stated that she is still able to perform light activities such as folding blankets, fetching water, and so on. Y is also considered an independent elderly person. Emotionally, Y is easily moved and sentimental, especially when she remembers the past or her siblings. In terms of social relationships, Y tends to withdraw; she admits to being quite picky and only being close to people she deems compatible. Y is also quite quiet, speaking only when spoken to by others and ready to help when asked. However, Y sometimes takes the initiative to help, especially in small matters and with those close to her. For Y, the most important thing right now is establishing comfortable relationships and strengthening family ties. This aims to make her feel calm and feel at home until the time comes when God calls her.

Positive Emotions: Joy

The elderly experience joy when they see opportunities to be productive, such as providing services or helping others. They are eager to pursue these productive endeavors. However, this feeling is often dampened by restrictive environments. The joy of the elderly also stems from their understanding of life in the present. They believe that their presence in a nursing home is part of God’s plan. This belief allows them to accept their situation with sincerity, remain grateful, and live the rest of their lives with a positive attitude.

“I still want to work, to be useful to myself... because when I get a living, I can share it with people in need” [R].

“I belong to God—I belong to God, whatever God wants me to do with it. I have to try to be good, that’s all.. God put me here, so I should be happy...grateful....” [K].

“I want to make a tablecloth, but the nurses often forbid me from doing so. They say I’m elderly and should just rest now. So I just sleep and eat, no activity” [Y].

“Yes, being useful to others makes me happy. I’m happy when people feel happy after seeing me. Even though I have nothing, why do others feel happy with my presence? Surely, it’s because of God’s intervention” [G].

Positive Emotions: Contentment

Contentment and life satisfaction is come from accepting and being grateful for what they experience now. The present situation should be viewed as a final preparation before passing away. Therefore, the elderly should strive to enjoy life to the fullest by reaping goodness and adopting a positive attitude, such as doing good deeds and sharing positive energy with others.

“looking for provisions to die, so here I’m doing good, helping other nursing home residents, helping nurses, having fun together, so doing good is the main thing” [K].

“I don’t feel lacking. God has given me much to be grateful for” [G].

“Gratitude is the satisfaction created from the results of struggle, whether it’s hard work or a process. There’s struggle, there’s process, and there’s time to be grateful”. [G]

“Yes, I’m satisfied, I have enough, like eating, getting up, exercising, singing, taking a bath, all my routine activities are fulfilled, I’m grateful and happy” [Y].

“Life is life, and everything depends on God. Even sick people often ask for healing. I’ve been blessed with physical and mental health, so I use it wisely. Therefore, I never think that my life is in vain or that there’s no point in living.” [R]

Positive Emotions: Pride

Pride in past accomplishments significantly influences feelings of pride in the present. Old age is a time to enjoy past accomplishments and successes. In old age, the elderly no longer have to seek success to find self-pride. Instead, it is pride when other younger people achieve success.

“...I was proud when I was young that I could earn a decent income and share it with others. I was happy and proud because many friends always looked out for me” [R].

“I’m proud that I can live on the right path and get a job. My mother was happy to see me as a proper person” [K].

“I feel proud because I can see that my encounters with the people around me influence their positive development.... they keep looking for me...they feel safe with me”[G].

“My sewing business was very successful, and had lots of customers. There were so many customers asking for my services that make me lost sleep because I had to complete my sewing orders” [Y].

Positive Emotions: Love

In the positive emotion of love, what is very important is mutual trust and creating a sense of security in other people. With a sense of trust and security, people will be willing to accept and ask for help from others. Previous assessments and experiences in relating to people are closely related to how positive love emotions will be formed.

“I study my friends’ character, and if I judge them to be good and trustworthy, I’m willing to be their friend” [R].

“I feel liked and loved by the people at this nursing home, especially the nurses... I see it in the way they react to me. I’m liked because I don’t act up and bother them” [K].

“...by accepting others, we give others the opportunity to accept us too. So making each other happy is very simple” [G].

“The residents of this nursing home trust each other and are all brothers and sisters, and there’s no arguing or fighting. I usually judge friends by their appearance, so I can see whether they’re compatible with me as friends or not” [Y].

Positive Emotions: Compassion

Compassion will be expressed differently by each elderly. Some show compassion to everyone without distinction, while others show compassion only to certain individuals. The suitability of the relationship between the elderly is a factor that influences how compassion is manifested.

“I like helping others in need...but if I help them many times and the person I’ve helped doesn’t change, then I start to think why I should help them. But if the person I’ve helped changes for the better, then that will make me feel happy and proud”[R].

“I feel satisfied and happy, if I am useful to other people—that’s right, life must be useful by helping the weaker and the needy ones” [K].

“When we help others, it doesn’t mean we’re pampering them. Sometimes the help we give isn’t necessarily right or well-received. However, usually I keep helping others” [G].

“If I want to help others, I’ll check first. If she’s actually capable, then I don’t need to help her. Or when my friend asks for help, then I’ll help. If she doesn’t ask for help, there’s no need to help her” [Y].

Positive Emotions: Amusement

Interviews with the elderly participants in this study revealed that they felt bored with the daily routines at the nursing home. However, they found joy in meeting and engaging in activities with other elderly residents. They found joy in sharing stories, joking, and singing together. entertainment among the elderly is felt as a stress reliever.

“Singing, with other grandmas, drawing, doing small paintings, chatting. Yes, chat, sing... I like chatting, telling stories, that will keep me fit, not bored, not tired” [Y].

“There’s a lot of entertainment and fun here—a lot of funny stuff, if I may say so. It’s sometimes annoying, but behind the annoyance, it can also be funny, so the annoyance and the funny are harmoniously combined” [G].

“Yes, joking is also important when interacting with the elderly in nursing homes. It’s important to avoid tension and boredom. Laughing together can lighten the mood” [K].

“To entertain myself, I sometimes leave the nursing home without the nurses’ knowledge, well... for about half an hour. I go out to buy cigarettes or buy snacks and food at a food stall. Wow, it’s so nice to be able to get out of the nursing home for a bit. I also feel entertained when I talk to other friends who are compatible with me… makes me enthusiastic and I won’t feel bored or sleepy” [R].

Positive Emotions: Awe

Awe is felt at God’s power over all creation and abundant grace. However, for Y, she never felt a sense of awe at what was around her. She felt she was too busy working in her youth to feel a sense of awe at the things around her.

“God’s power is extraordinary... I am amazed to see the flowers, how beautiful their colors and shapes are... I feel happy... the natural scenery is very beautiful, the sun is shining... I am very amazed by God’s creation...” [K].

“...impressed by the nurses who are sincerely willing to help and serve the elderly who can no longer help themselves. For me, it’s amazing how is that possible, God gives special powers to the people He uses” [G].

“...yes, life is full of work, when you’re bored with work, there’s nothing to be amazed by or see that impresses you... I only go out when I have to...so I rarely see many things hahaha... here, looking at nature is just normal, nothing special” [Y].

“I often feel that God is truly amazing. I feel calm, happy, proud, and in awe of God’s extraordinary creation” [R].

Conclusion

This study found differences in the patterns of expression and intensity of positive emotions between male and female elderly, indicating that gender influences how they experience, express, and interpret positive emotions. However, these expressions are not isolated but are shaped by past experiences, perceptions of life, the ability to adapt to change and/or challenges, and the quality of their social environment. The male elderly in this study indicated that their positive emotions were strongly influenced by perceptions of past success, particularly in work and tangible contributions. For example, one participant attributed feelings of joy, pride, and meaning to his role as a successful and busy broker. He felt his life was meaningful when he was able to work, produce, and be socially valued. However, after living in the nursing home and no longer being able to work independently, he felt stagnant and lost meaning, which caused his positive emotions to diminish. This aligns with the findings of Li (2023) and Martin (2024), who found that elderly men often experience a decline in positive emotions due to the loss of active roles and cultural pressures of masculinity that stifle their emotional expression. Social norms tend to make men suppress their emotional needs, so when social support decreases, they have a harder time adapting and rebuilding positive emotional resources.

Unlike elderly men, elderly women in this study indicated that their positive emotions stem from social relationships, feelings of connection, and gratitude for the past. One participant, a former nun, viewed her life as meaningful because of her dedication to service. She continued to experience love and affection through interactions at the nursing home and felt content despite her physical condition having decreased. Her perception of a past filled with service and love made it easier to feel gratitude and peace. Similarly, another participant, who was sentimental and reflective, recognized the limitations of her current life but continued to seek comfortable relationships and strengthen family ties. Although she harbored a longing for her family, she was able to balance these emotions with positive expectations and acceptance. Nairet al. (2021) noted that older women tend to be more emotionally open and socially adaptive, including in forming new emotional relationships after experiencing loss.

Across all participants, it was clear that how the elderly interpret their past significantly influences the dimension and intensity of positive emotions they experience today. Perceptions of the past that are accompanied by success, acceptance, or spiritual values will more easily generate positive emotions such as satisfaction, love, and compassion. Conversely, if the past is viewed as something that cannot be re-experienced due to internal or external factors, the emergence of positive emotions tends to be inhibited. This supports Fredrickson’s (2013) theory that positive emotions are broadening and building. Positive emotional experiences broaden a person’s thinking and strengthen their psychological resources, but this is highly dependent on the life narrative they construct. Thus, not only do gender factors play a role, but also the meaning that older people give to past experiences, whether as success, sacrifice, or meaning, which becomes an important foundation in the emergence of positive emotions.