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Social and psychological resources in the oldest old
1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames 50011-1030, USA.
Experimental Aging Research
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Centenarians reported fewer social and psychological resources compared to octogenarians and sexagenarians. This study examined mental health, daily living, and social-economic resources across these older adult age groups.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
Background:
- Aging populations present unique challenges for resource allocation and support.
- Understanding resource availability across different age strata is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare mental health, activities of daily living, and social-economic resources among centenarians, octogenarians, and sexagenarians.
- To identify differences in resource access and utilization across extreme age groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Older Americans Resources and Services Survey (OARS) for assessment.
- Included 272 older adults across three distinct age groups: centenarians (100+), octogenarians (80-89), and sexagenarians (60-69).
- Employed frequency analyses to compare resource levels.
Main Results:
- Centenarians exhibited lower ratings in social resources compared to octogenarians and sexagenarians.
- Psychological resource levels were also found to be lower in centenarians.
- Activities of daily living did not show significant differences across the groups in this analysis.
Conclusions:
- Extreme old age, particularly centenarian status, is associated with diminished social and psychological resources.
- Findings suggest a need for enhanced social support systems for the oldest old.
- Further research should explore the factors contributing to resource disparities in centenarians.
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