Akeren, ZahideAkeren, IhsanKalyoncuo, Servet2026-09-012026-09-0120260197-45721528-3984http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.104003https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12403/8527Background: 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 (beta=-0.467), and more than twothirds 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 familycentered and social support-oriented interventions may help improve happiness. (c) 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessOlder AdultsGeriatric Perceived BurdensomenessMental Well-BeingLonelinessHappinessSerial MediationArticle7010.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.104003419666212-s2.0-105035862900Q2WOS:001744890600001Q1