Physical and mental health in the oldest-old: a mixed-methods study on a southern Italy sample
- PMID: 32705588
- DOI: 10.1007/s40520-020-01659-0
Physical and mental health in the oldest-old: a mixed-methods study on a southern Italy sample
Abstract
Background: The world's aging population has been constantly increasing in the last decades, causing the number oldest-old individuals to increase.
Aims: The present study aims to explore the different variables that contribute to the oldest-old wellbeing using a mixed-methods approach, including self-reports, standardized measures, and semi-structured interviews.
Methods: Thirty-nine oldest-old (90-103) from southern Italy were involved in the study, together with a control sample of younger individuals (51-71) from the same families.
Results: Data suggest that the oldest-old have better mental health, higher resilience, and more optimism than younger individuals. High resilience seems to be the key variable that promotes the overall wellbeing.
Discussion: The oldest-old tend to have better mental health, higher resilience and more optimism than younger individuals.
Conclusions: Wellbeing in the oldest-old appeared to be promoted by the sense of belonging and life purpose.
Keywords: Mental health; Mixed-methods; Oldest-old; Resilience; Wellbeing.
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