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Morale in the oldest old: the Umeå 85+ study
Petra von Heideken Wågert1, Birgitta Rönnmark, Erik Rosendahl
1Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Geriatric Medicine and Physiotherapy, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden. petra.heideken.wagert@germed.umu.se
Age and Ageing
|March 24, 2005
Summary
High morale is common in the oldest old. Key factors include fewer depressive symptoms, living independently, and social connection, highlighting the importance of social and functional well-being.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Morale is a crucial aspect of well-being in the oldest old.
- Understanding factors influencing morale is essential for improving quality of life in advanced age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe morale levels in the oldest old population.
- To identify social, functional, and medical factors associated with morale in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in Umeå, Sweden.
- Structured interviews and assessments using validated scales like the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and Barthel Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Index.
- Multiple regression analyses to determine independent predictors of morale.
Main Results:
- Eighty-four percent of participants completed the PGCMS, with three-quarters reporting middle to high morale.
- Depressive symptoms (GDS score), housing type, history of stroke, loneliness, and symptom count significantly explained 49.3% of the variance in morale.
- Absence of depressive symptoms, living in ordinary housing, and not feeling lonely were key positive predictors.
Conclusions:
- A significant majority of the oldest old experience good morale.
- Maintaining morale is linked to positive social factors (e.g., reduced loneliness), functional status (e.g., independent living), and health status (e.g., fewer symptoms, stroke history).
- The PGCMS is a suitable tool for assessing morale in very elderly individuals.