Disability and psychosocial outcomes in old age

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2007

Authors

Constança Paúl (Author) ICBAS; Ayis, S (Author) Other; Ebrahim, S (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Aging and Health

Vol. 19 No. 5

Pages: 723-741

ISSN: 0898-2643

Publisher: SAGE

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 24 Citations

Scopus - 26 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-767

DOI: 10.1177/08264307304301

Abstract (EN): Objective: This article explores psychosocial variables associated with illness and age-related losses during old age. Method: The study is cross-sectional and comprised 999 people aged 65 and older. The variables included health problems and limitations, self-perceptions of health, optimism, and quality of life. Results: In general, people aged 80+ years show high prevalence of health problems and disability, good self-perception of health, and quality of life. However, among the oldest age group, those in better health were more optimistic, but more problems meant lower self-perception of health, quality of life, and optimism. Discussion: This does not fully confirm the disability paradox (high disability and high optimism and self-perception of quality of life). The dual-process coping model helps to understand the results of our study: First is an attempt to avoid losses; afterward, people lower goals and standards to meet constraints and foster adaptation.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 19