Risk factors for a decrease in high morale in very old people over a 5-year period: data from two Nordic countries.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• High morale is vital for healthy aging in very old age.
• Understanding factors that decrease morale is crucial for policy and care development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify social and health-related risk factors for decreased morale over 5 years in individuals aged 85+ with high baseline morale.
• To inform interventions aimed at preserving morale in the elderly population.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study using data from the Umeå85+/GERDA study (Northern Sweden and Western Finland).
• Sample: 174 individuals aged 85+ at baseline, followed for 5 years.
• Morale measured using The Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS); multivariable linear regression used for analysis.

Main Results:

• A mean decrease of -1.3 points in PGCMS scores was observed over 5 years.
• Development of depressive disorders, increased loneliness, and the death of a child were significantly associated with decreased morale.
• These factors highlight key areas for intervention to maintain morale.

Conclusions:

• Preventing depressive disorders and mitigating loneliness are critical for sustaining high morale in very old age.
• Providing adequate psychosocial support for older adults experiencing the death of an adult child is essential.
• Findings have implications for social and health care strategies to support aging well.