Life satisfaction in long-term survivors after stroke

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychology
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• Stroke significantly impacts long-term survivors' quality of life.
• Life satisfaction changes post-stroke require further investigation, especially concerning psychosocial adjustment.
• Healthy aging demonstrates stability in life satisfaction across different age groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess changes in quality of life and life satisfaction in long-term stroke survivors.
• To identify factors influencing post-stroke life satisfaction, including motor and ADL-disability.
• To compare life satisfaction in stroke survivors with healthy individuals across different age groups.

Main Methods:

• Survey of 62 long-term stroke survivors (4-6 years post-stroke) using global and domain-specific life satisfaction scales.
• Inclusion of 60 healthy control subjects in two age cohorts (60-61 and 79-81 years).
• Assessment of motor impairment and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) disability.

Main Results:

• 61% of stroke survivors reported decreased quality of life post-stroke, primarily in global, sexual, and leisure satisfaction.
• Motor impairment and ADL-disability negatively affected life satisfaction.
• Approximately 30% of non-impaired/non-disabled stroke survivors reported decreased global life satisfaction, suggesting psychosocial challenges.
• Life satisfaction levels were similar between healthy younger and older adults, indicating stability.

Conclusions:

• Stroke significantly diminishes quality of life for a majority of long-term survivors.
• Psychosocial adjustment to stroke and its sequelae is a critical factor in maintaining life satisfaction.
• Quality of life demonstrates stability in healthy aging, contrasting with post-stroke changes.