Disability and psychosocial outcomes in old age.
OBJECTIVE
This article explores psychosocial variables associated with illness and age-related losses during old age.


METHODS
The study is cross-sectional and comprised 999 people aged 65 and older. The variables included health problems and limitations, self-perceptions of health, optimism, and quality of life.


RESULTS
In general, people aged 80+ years show high prevalence of health problems and disability, good self-perception of health, and quality of life. However, among the oldest age group, those in better health were more optimistic, but more problems meant lower self-perception of health, quality of life, and optimism.


CONCLUSIONS
This does not fully confirm the disability paradox (high disability and high optimism and self-perception of quality of life). The dual-process coping model helps to understand the results of our study: First is an attempt to avoid losses; afterward, people lower goals and standards to meet constraints and foster adaptation.
Paúl
Constança
C
UNIFAI, University of Porto, Portugal. constancapaul@netcabo.pt
Ayis
Salma
S
Ebrahim
Shah
S
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D006113:United Kingdom