Vivien Rodgers1, Stephen Neville2, Steven La Grow3. 1. a School of Nursing , Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand. 2. b Department of Nursing , Auckland University of Technology , Private Bag 92006, Auckland , New Zealand. 3. c College of Health , Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Satisfaction with life is a complex interplay of older people's perspectives on life achievements. Satisfaction with life, alongside health and functional ability contribute to successful ageing. AIM: To explore the impact of increasing age on older people's perceptions of their health, functional ability and life satisfaction. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of non-institutionalised older people (65+) was conducted (n = 542). The Short Form-12 Health Survey measured perceived physical and mental health, the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale measured functional ability and the Satisfaction With Life Scale measured life satisfaction. RESULTS: Significant group differences were found; while participants' perceptions of health and function decreased with age, perceptions of life satisfaction increased. Unexpectedly, the youngest groups reported low levels of life satisfaction while the oldest reported very high levels. CONCLUSIONS: Further study should consider factors that might influence the perception of health, functional ability and particularly life satisfaction across older age groups.
BACKGROUND: Satisfaction with life is a complex interplay of older people's perspectives on life achievements. Satisfaction with life, alongside health and functional ability contribute to successful ageing. AIM: To explore the impact of increasing age on older people's perceptions of their health, functional ability and life satisfaction. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of non-institutionalised older people (65+) was conducted (n = 542). The Short Form-12 Health Survey measured perceived physical and mental health, the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale measured functional ability and the Satisfaction With Life Scale measured life satisfaction. RESULTS: Significant group differences were found; while participants' perceptions of health and function decreased with age, perceptions of life satisfaction increased. Unexpectedly, the youngest groups reported low levels of life satisfaction while the oldest reported very high levels. CONCLUSIONS: Further study should consider factors that might influence the perception of health, functional ability and particularly life satisfaction across older age groups.
Entities:
Keywords:
functional ability; gerontological nursing; life satisfaction; mental health; older adults; physical health
Authors: Willeke M Ravensbergen; Jeanet W Blom; Andrea Wm Evers; Mattijs E Numans; Margot Wm de Waal; Jacobijn Gussekloo Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2020-11-26 Impact factor: 5.386