Kerry A Sargent-Cox1, Kaarin J Anstey, Mary A Luszcz. 1. Aging Research Unit, Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200. Kerry.Sargent-Cox@canberra.edu.au
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed whether three commonly used self-rated health (SRH) items (global, age-comparative, and self-comparative) are equivalent measures of health perception for older adults. METHOD: Regression analyses were used to simultaneously contrast the associations between physical, psychological, and social factors relating to health for three SRH items, in a large ( N = 2,034) population-based sample of older adults (65 years and older) from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Aging. RESULTS: Health perceptions were more positive for the age-comparative SRH measure, compared to the pessimistic ratings of the self-comparative measure, particularly for the oldest-old adults. Different patterns of associations between the health factors and SRH measures were found. DISCUSSION: These results show the three SRH items are not equivalent measures of health and cannot be used interchangeably. The reference point of the SRH item has a considerable influence on health perceptions of older adults as it encapsulates unique health information.
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed whether three commonly used self-rated health (SRH) items (global, age-comparative, and self-comparative) are equivalent measures of health perception for older adults. METHOD: Regression analyses were used to simultaneously contrast the associations between physical, psychological, and social factors relating to health for three SRH items, in a large ( N = 2,034) population-based sample of older adults (65 years and older) from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Aging. RESULTS: Health perceptions were more positive for the age-comparative SRH measure, compared to the pessimistic ratings of the self-comparative measure, particularly for the oldest-old adults. Different patterns of associations between the health factors and SRH measures were found. DISCUSSION: These results show the three SRH items are not equivalent measures of health and cannot be used interchangeably. The reference point of the SRH item has a considerable influence on health perceptions of older adults as it encapsulates unique health information.
Authors: Eric M Vogelsang; James M Raymo; Jersey Liang; Erika Kobayashi; Taro Fukaya Journal: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci Date: 2019-09-15 Impact factor: 4.077
Authors: Sanda Dolcos; Stuart W S MacDonald; Anna Braslavsky; Richard Camicioli; Roger A Dixon Journal: Neuropsychology Date: 2012-01-16 Impact factor: 3.295