Positive Psychology and Aging through Heudonic and Eudaimonic Perspectives

Rowe and Kahn’s (1997) version of successful aging defines avoid- ance of disease and disability, maintenance of high physical and cogni- tive function, and sustained engagement in social and productive activ- ities as essential components of aging successfully. The applicability of this model in very advanced age has been questioned and the relative importance of these aspects to well-being is not properly established. In order to analyze the effect of Rowe and Kahn’ criteria on both subjective (hedonic) and psychological (eudaimonic) well-being, 140 individu- als with 100 and more years old from the Oporto Centenarian Study (PT100) were interviewed. The mean age of the sample was 101.18 (SD 1.59); 89.3% women, 76.4% widowed and 57.9% living in the com- munity. The Positive Valuation of Life Scale (Lawton et al., 2001), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985) and a questionnaire of health and social information were used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted. Mean scores of well-being were 27.81 (SD=5.21) for VOL and 6.51 (SD=1.97) for SWLS. Of the successful aging criteria only social engagement, i.e. participation in social activities, had a significant association with psychological well-being (p<0.01). These results stress out the influence of activity and social engagement participation in the adaptation to the challenges of very old age. The characteristics, sort and distribution of activities practiced at this age should be further investigated in order to promote and/or adjust available social engagement opportunities.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Being successful aged at one hundred years old: alternative and subjective criteria

Age, i.e. being younger, has been the most consistent predictor of successful aging, indicating a dramatic drop of the rate of success with advancing age. However, emergent studies based on expanded psychological concepts have been revealing the admirable capacity of oldest old individuals to overcome adversities and adapting to the challenges of very advanced age. This study aims to explore alternative criteria to Rowe and Kahn successful aging model in centenarians. A sample of 70 individuals (Mage100.91, SD 1.37, 87.1%female) with cognitive capacity for answering self-report questions were selected from the population-based Oporto Centenarian Study (PT100). Perceived economic status, sub- jective health and happiness were considered as components to assess successful aging. Main findings revealed that 62.9% of the sample was able to meet economic needs, 44.3% was happy and 32.3% reported a positive self-perception of health. 12.9% of the participants satisfied all three criteria and 16.1% didnt fulfilled any. A previous study using the same alternative criteria found that 47.5% of centenarians were successful aged, whereas none of them satisfied all three objective components from Rowe and Kahn’s success- ful aging model (Cho et al., 2012). Thus, the higher propor- tion of centenarians with positive self-ratings demonstrate that they may feel successful despite not being objectively considered as so. The alternative criteria of perceived eco- nomic status, subjective health and happiness considered in this study seem to be suitable to approach successful aging in very advanced age.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

What about the Portuguese oldest old? A global overview using census data

Background The older population is itself aging, and achieving an advanced age is becoming more common worldwide. In Portugal, individuals aged 80+ represent 5.6 % of the total population and 26.5 % of the popu- lation were aged 65 and over in 2011. Having a national profile on this population will give important information to develop interven- tion programs and identify the areas requiring most attention. Ob- jective: This study aims to provide a profile of the Portuguese oldest old, as given by the last national census data. Methods The characteristics of all residents aged 80+ (N = 532,219) were ana- lysed considering socio-demographic information (gender, marital status, education, type of residence, place of birth, income) and the existence of difficulties in functional, sensorial and cognitive activities due to health problems or ageing. Results The majority of the most aged are females (64.5 %), widowed (53.9 %), and present low educational levels (46.1 % never attended school and 31.6 % do not know how to read/write). Own pensions constitute the main source of income (96.3 %) and the majority live in private households (88.8 %), with 43.2 % currently living in the place where they were born. The majority (73.0 %) reported major difficulties in at least one functional activity – bathing/dressing, walk- ing/climbing stairs, seeing, hearing, memory/concentration, under- standing others/being understood. Conclusions The high percentage of oldest old living in private households and the presence of functional limitations point to the importance of in- formal care and community care services to support this population. Further studies paying attention to their needs and utilisation of ser- vices are required.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Looking at objective and subjective health in centenarians: always in agreement?

Centenarians ́ objective health is often characterized by functional and health problems associated with their long- life and age-related problems. Nevertheless, their self-rated health (SRH) may not be necessarily negative. There is a large body of literature concerning SRH in later life but lack of evidence about one’s perception of health and its associated factors in very advanced ages. This study aims to analyse the relationship between subjective and objective health status in a sample of centenarians (n=127; Mage = 101.1 years, SD 1.5). Subjective health was assessed by a SRH single-item, and objective health by considering the number of reported diseases and a functional capacity scale. Main health char- acteristics are described as well as examined the associa- tion between objective and subjective health indicators and other relevant variables (e.g., individual resources). Results revealed that almost half of the sample has a positive (good, very good or excellent) health appraisal. Many of these indi- viduals have 3 or more diseases and are dependent in their ADL. Objective and subjective measures of health are dis- cordant is some cases. Results revealed that centenarians ́ SRH could be determined by other factors than the objective health ones. Having diseases and functional dependence at 100 years old may not mean to have a bad SRH. The high variability in SRH and the discordance between objective and subjective measures are a proof of centenarians ́capacity of adaptation and the existence of psychosocial resources that may be decisive for the perception and handling of health status at such an advanced age.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

El cuidado en el paradigma de desinstitucionalización: la sostenibilidad de las personas mayores dependientes en la família

Este estudo teve como objectivos caracterizar famílias com um idoso dependente em contexto familiar e identificar apoios sociais das famílias com um idoso dependente. Foi realizado um estudo exploratório descritivo de natureza qualitativa. Recorremos à entrevista semi-estruturada para colheita de informação (elaboração de genograma e ecomapa). Seleccionamos uma amostra intencional de 108 famílias de um concelho, de uma região Norte de Portugal. A colheita de dados ocorreu no período de Outubro 2007 a Junho de 2008. Os resultados mostraram que as famílias com idosos dependentes são predominantemente famílias nucleares e envelhecidas, com apoios formais e informais restritos. Nas fontes informais, a figura dos filhos foi a mais relatada seguindose os vizinhos e amigos, enquanto, nas formais foram referidas as unidades de saúde e profissionais de saúde: médico, enfermeiro, fisioterapeuta, farmacêutico e assistente social.This study main objectives were to describe families living with a dependent elder and to identify the social support of these families. We carried out a qualitative exploratory study using semi-structured data collection methods (development of eco-maps and genograms). We selected a sample of 108 families in a region of northern Portugal. Data collection took place from October 2007 to June 2008. The results showed that families with dependent elders are predominantly older nuclear families, with limited formal and informal support. With regard to informal sources, family relationships were the most reported, followed by neighbours and friends, while for formal sources the most mentioned were healthcare facilities and healthcare professionals: doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists and social workers.Este estudio tiene como objetivo caracterizar a las familias con un anciano dependiente en contexto familiar e identificar los apoyos sociales de las familias con un anciano dependiente. Se realizó un estudio exploratorio descriptivo de naturaleza cualitativa. Hemos recurrido a la entrevista semi-estructurada para recopilar información (elaboración de genograma y ecomapa). Se seleccionó una muestra intencional de 108 familias de una región al norte de Portugal. Los datos fueron recolectados entre Octubre de 2007 y Junio de 2008. Los resultados mostraron que las familias con personas mayores con dependencia son en su mayoría familias nucleares y envejecidas, con un apoyo limitado formal e informal. En las fuentes informales, la figura de los hijos fue la más relatada, siguiéndose los vecinos y amigos, mientras que en las formales fueron referidas las unidades de salud y profesionales de la salud: médico, enfermero, fisioterapeuta, farmacéutico y asistente sociales.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cuidar de idosos dependentes no domicílio: desabafos de quem cuida

Com este estudo foi nossa intenção identificar quem é o cuidador principal de idosos dependentes no domicílio e que mudanças ocorrem na vida do cuidador e de sua família quando um elemento se torna dependente. Recorremos a um estudo de natureza qualitativa, utilizando a entrevista semiestruturada. Entrevistamos 12 cuidadores informais de indivíduos idosos dependentes por AVC, pertencentes a famílias dos distritos do Porto e Braga (Portugal). A finalidade deste trabalho é contribuir para a melhoria da assistência da enfermagem à família. Os achados revelaram que os cônjuges e filhas são os principais cuidadores dos idosos dependentes no domicílio. Ao assumirem o papel de cuidador suas vidas são transformadas, ocorrendo mudanças essencialmente no seu papel social, nas atividades de lazer e, em alguns casos, na atividade profissional. A maioria destes cuidadores tem apoio de filhos, de alguns amigos e vizinhos. Identificaram-se alterações e reorganizações na estrutura, função e processo da unidade familiar.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Life satisfaction and positive aspects of caregiving among centenarians proxies: the more dependent the better?

Taking care of a centenarian is becoming a more common situation due to the longevity phenomenon. Nevertheless, there is lack of information on the specific dynamics related to the demands and potentialities of this specific caregiving experience. This study aims to analyze caregivers well-being and positive aspects related to the caregiving experience. Data came from the PT100 Centenarian Study and consid- ers information gathered through face-to-face interviews with centenarians and their proxies. The sample comprises 53 dyads (centenarians: Mage 100.9, SD 1.2, 84.9% female; informal caregivers: Mage 66.0, SD 8.8, 92.5% female). Instruments included the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and selected items from the Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC). Results demon- strated that 71.7% (n=38) of the caregivers were satisfied with their life. Life satisfaction was higher when the cen- tenarian presented higher cognitive constrains (GDS=5-7; p ≤0.05). Additionally, 63.6% (n=7) of the dissatisfied car- egivers were taking care of a centenarian without cogni- tive deficits (GDS=1-2). Caregivers life satisfaction was also associated with positive aspects of the caregiving experience: of those satisfied with their life, 81.8% (n=27) reported to appreciate life more due the caregiving experience (p ≤ 0.05). Higher dependence of the centenarian may be related with a higher sense of providing care and this should be further explored. Positive aspects of caregiving are of particular rel- evance and should be addressed within oldest-old family care interventions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The importance of neighborhood ecological assets in community dwelling old people aging outcomes: A study in Northern Portugal

Human development is a bidirectional, person-context relational process, but scarce evidence is available about the relation between the individual variability across the life-span and the neighborhood ecological assets. Therefore, it is important that research focus not only on personal characteristics but on ecological assets as well. This way this study aims to analyze the association between neighborhood ecological assets categorized into four dimensions: human, physical or institutional, social or collective activity, accessibility, and the individual functioning. A 3% sample of residents aged 65 years and older in two downtown and three uptown parishes stratified by age and sex was interviewed at home using a protocol that included the Portuguese version of the Barthel Index in basic activities of daily living (BADL), the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL), the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 items (GDS) for evaluating functionality, cognitive performance, and depression. The 162 participants were aged on average 75 years (sd = 7.0), 54% were women and 90% had less than 7 years of education. The majority of participants were independent in BADL (M = 90; sd = 17.7) and moderately dependent in IADL (M = 13, sd = 6.0), 20% showed cognitive impairment and a mean score of 8 (sd = 2.1) in GDS-15. After controlling for the effect of socio-demographic characteristics, functionality, and cognitive performance decreases in persons with worst outdoor mobility. On the other hand depressive symptoms are less common as the number of recreation opportunities, namely associative groups (cultural, educative, professional), increases. These results suggest that aging policies and practices must be ecologically embedded.E51F-89A1-B769 | Carla FariaN/

Objective vs Subjective Health in very Advanced Ages: Looking for Discordance in Centenarians

Background: Living beyond 100 years of age is associated with several functional and health constraints but their impact depends on one’s perception of the situation. Associations between self-rated health (SRH) with sociodemographic and psychosocial variables have been explored in several studies, revealing that one’s health appraisal depends of factors beyond the objective health condition. There is a large body of literature concerning SRH in later life but lack of evidence about centenarians’ perception of health and its associated factors, which could increase the available knowledge on the strengths and resources individuals in very advanced ages have for facing daily life limitations. Objective and Methods: This study aims to analyse the relationship between subjective and objective health status in a sample of centenarians (n = 127). Subjective health was assessed by a single-item health measure, and objective health by considering the number of reported diseases and a functional capacity scale (BADL and IADL). Main health characteristics are described as well as examined the association between objective and subjective health. Results: 46.5% of the sample has a good, very good, or excellent appraisal of their own health. SRH was associated (p 0.05). Conclusion: Having diseases and functional dependence at 100 years old may not mean to have a bad SRH. The high variability in SRH and the discordance between objective and subjective measures are a proof of centenarian’s capacity of adaptation and the existence of individual resources, which may be decisive for one’ perception and handling of health situation at such an advanced age.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Centenários bem sucedidos

Chegar aos 100 anos de idade pode significar ter uma saúde debilitada, dificuldades físicas e sensoriais que interferem na realização das principais atividades do quotidiano, e ter assistido à perda de familiares e amigos. Porém, diversos estudos reportam a capacidade de adaptação deste grupo etário a esses desafios, considerando-a relevadora de um envelhecimento bem sucedido (EBS). Este estudo objetiva explorar diferentes abordagens de EBS numa amostra de pessoas com 100+ anos. 70 centenários (Midade 100.91, DP 1.37; 87.1% mulheres) com capacidade cognitiva para responder a questões de auto-percepção foram selecionados no âmbito do PT100 (Porto e Beira Interior). Indicadores de EBS (ex.: saúde, capacidade funcional, funcionamento social e percepções pessoais de aspetos da vida atual) foram recolhidos em entrevista aos participantes. A distribuição dos centenários por diferentes perfis de EBS foi explorada através de análises estatísticas. Apenas 2 centenários reúnem os critérios de EBS do modelo de Rowe e Kahn. Ao se considerarem critérios alternativos, como a percepção da situação económica e de saúde, e a felicidade, a percentagem de centenários com EBS aumenta para 62.9%, 44.3% e 32.3% respetivamente. Abordagens holísticas que considerem as percepções individuais revelam-se como fundamentais numa vivência bem sucedida da fase muito avançada de vida.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio