In:
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, S. Karger AG, Vol. 72, No. 6 ( 2003), p. 324-332
Abstract:
〈 i 〉 Background: 〈 /i 〉 Recent gerontological research shows a high variability in the elderly population. The aim of the present study is to investigate by means of cluster analysis, as to whether different ‘ageing styles’ can be identified in a sample of cognitively not impaired older persons, and to assess discrepancies between self-rated and expert-rated psychological and physical health. 〈 i 〉 Method: 〈 /i 〉 243 patients aged 60 years and older in a general hospital were investigated using a clinical psychiatric interview, expert ratings, and self-report scales after extensive internal medical diagnostic evaluation. 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 Five clusters, representing significantly different ‘ageing styles’ with regard to subjective well-being and subjective physical complaints, could be identified. Two clusters, which together constituted 57% of the sample, represented quite positive and desirable ageing styles. In two clusters (altogether 23% of the sample), there was a discrepancy between medical findings and subjective physical complaints. 〈 i 〉 Conclusions: 〈 /i 〉 These findings support the notion of high variability in the elderly and the existence of subgroups, which show a discrepancy between subjective assessment of well-being and expert assessment of psychological and physical health and impairment. The recording of subjectively perceived physical complaints should, therefore, be part of the evaluation of older peoples’ subjective well-being.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0033-3190
,
1423-0348
Language:
English
Publisher:
S. Karger AG
Publication Date:
2003
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1472321-9
SSG:
5,2
SSG:
15,3
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