Rosa Angela Fabio1, Roberta Gallo1, Barbara Colombo2. 1. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, ME, Italy. 2. Neuroscience Lab, Champlain College, Burlington, VT, 05402, USA. bcolombo@champlain.edu.
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.
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.