Subjective well-being, social support, and age-related functioning among the very old in China.
OBJECTIVE
Previous research has suggested that social support and functional status influence the subjective well-being of the elderly. However, few studies have investigated whether these associations influence well-being in the very old.


METHODS
In this population-based, cross-sectional study, 1401 persons aged 90 years or over were located in Du Jiang Yan city, Sichuan, China. Among them 732 were willing to participate and provided data on a battery of standardized questionnaire inventories. The 23-item Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS) was examined as an index of subjective well-being. Functional status was assessed using the physical self-maintenance scale (PSMS) and the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scales. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was used to measure cognitive function. Social support was assessed using the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve (APGAR) scale and the social support requirement scale (SSRS).


RESULTS
The mean age was 93.7 +/- 3.4 years for the participants, of whom 68% were female. PGCMS total scores were significantly correlated with the Family APGAR and Objective Support subscale of the SSRS, as well as with scores on the MMSE and PSMS scales. However, in a multiple regression analysis, only MMSE and Family APGAR scores were independent predictors of PGCMS scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Both social support from family members and cognitive function appear to be key factors associated with quality of life among the very old in China. Further research is needed among very old populations to confirm the importance of these variables and to examine potential cross-cultural differences.
Deng
Juelin
J
Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China. juelind2005@yahoo.com.cn
Hu
Junmei
J
Wu
Weili
W
Dong
Birong
B
Wu
Hongmei
H
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; D002681:China; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009013:Morale; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires