10 research outputs found
Assessing adjustment to aging : A validation study for the Adjustment to Aging Scale (AtAS)
Adjustment to aging (AtA) is a multifactor adjustment process with implications
on aging well among older adults. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a
scale to assess the factors that older adults recognized as indicators of their AtA, with a
cross-national comparative perspective towards aging well. Convenience sampling was
used to gather questionnaire data, including demographics and the proposed scale. Complete
data was available for 1,291 older community-dwelling adults, aged between 75 and
102 years (M = 83.9; SD = 6.68), who represented four different nationalities. Exploratory
and confirmatory factor analyses were performed for dimension reduction and
exploration of the factorial structure. Data gathered with the 22-items AtA five-factor scale
showed overall good psychometric properties (in terms of distributional properties, statistical
significant factor weights, factorial, convergent, discriminant criterion and externalrelated
validities, as well as reliability). Five factors were selected for the Adjustment to
Aging Scale: (a) sense of purpose and ambitions (b) zest and spirituality; (c) body and
health; (d) aging in place and stability; and (e) social support. We present a 22-item scale
with five factors for AtA estimation in a cross-national elderly population which produced
valid and reliable data for elder persons from four different nationalities. Results showed
that this scale is an adequate cross-cultural instrument for research, clinical practice and
program development in the health care context. These may benefit from clearly understanding
AtA as an important component for reducing health disparities and for aging well,
across nationalities.Foundation for Science and Technolog