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Understanding the Multi-Dimensional Mental Well-Being in Late Life: Evidence from the Perspective of the Oldest Old Population

Author

Listed:
  • Elvira Lara

    (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
    CIBERSAM
    Hospital Universitario de La Princesa)

  • Natalia Martín-María

    (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
    CIBERSAM
    Hospital Universitario de La Princesa)

  • Anna K. Forsman

    (Åbo Akademi University)

  • Johanna Cresswell-Smith

    (National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL))

  • Valeria Donisi

    (Verona University Hospital (AOUI-VR))

  • Marian Ådnanes

    (SINTEF Technology and Society)

  • Jannike Kaasbøll

    (SINTEF Technology and Society)

  • Line Melby

    (SINTEF Technology and Society)

  • Johanna Nordmyr

    (Åbo Akademi University)

  • Linda Nyholm

    (Åbo Akademi University)

  • Laura Rabbi

    (Verona University Hospital (AOUI-VR))

  • Francesco Amaddeo

    (Verona University Hospital (AOUI-VR))

  • Marta Miret

    (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
    CIBERSAM
    Hospital Universitario de La Princesa)

Abstract

The promotion, maintenance, and improvement of well-being among the oldest old population is becoming a great public health concern. This study aimed to explore the experiences of individuals aged 80 plus regarding their mental well-being (MWB) and its contributing factors in four European countries. A qualitative approach was followed, with twenty-three focus groups. One hundred and seventeen respondents were recruited from senior community centers, adult day care centers, and nursing homes. Data was assessed using qualitative content analysis. Participants’ perspectives on MWB were collated along four dimensions: functional, social, personal and environmental. Staying healthy and maintaining independence, having close relationships with others, and insightful experiences with friends positively contributed to MWB. Additionally, engagement in fruitful or inspiring activities contributed to enhance personal development, which, in turn, had beneficial effects on MWB. Having a positive outlook was also found to be associated with MWB. Results reinforce the dynamic and multidimensional nature state of MWB, as well as highlighting the significance of psychosocial factors. Developing and implementing policy actions including a focus on the social and physical environment as well as strengthening personal capabilities and self-esteem, can foster MWB among the oldest old population.

Suggested Citation

  • Elvira Lara & Natalia Martín-María & Anna K. Forsman & Johanna Cresswell-Smith & Valeria Donisi & Marian Ådnanes & Jannike Kaasbøll & Line Melby & Johanna Nordmyr & Linda Nyholm & Laura Rabbi & France, 2020. "Understanding the Multi-Dimensional Mental Well-Being in Late Life: Evidence from the Perspective of the Oldest Old Population," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(2), pages 465-484, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:21:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s10902-019-00090-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-019-00090-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Felicia Huppert & Timothy So, 2013. "Erratum to: Flourishing Across Europe: Application of a New Conceptual Framework for Defining Well-Being," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 110(3), pages 1245-1246, February.
    2. Stephen Jivraj & James Nazroo & Bram Vanhoutte & Tarani Chandola, 2014. "Aging and Subjective Well-Being in Later Life," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 69(6), pages 930-941.
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    4. Felicia Huppert & Timothy So, 2013. "Flourishing Across Europe: Application of a New Conceptual Framework for Defining Well-Being," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 110(3), pages 837-861, February.
    5. Gerben Westerhof & Freya Dittmann-Kohli & Toine Thissen, 2001. "Beyond Life Satisfaction: Lay Conceptions of Well-Being among Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 56(2), pages 179-203, November.
    6. Andreas B. Neubauer & Oliver K. Schilling & Hans-Werner Wahl, 2017. "What Do We Need at the End of Life? Competence, but not Autonomy, Predicts Intraindividual Fluctuations in Subjective Well-Being in Very Old Age," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 72(3), pages 425-435.
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    Cited by:

    1. Johanna Cresswell-Smith & Kristian Wahlbeck & Jorid Kalseth, 2022. "Life Conditions as Mediators of Welfare State Effect on Mental Wellbeing among Oldest Old in Europe," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-19, April.
    2. Jorid Kalseth & Valeria Donisi & Marta Miret & Anna K. Forsman & Johanna Cresswell-Smith, 2022. "Exploring the Association between Welfare State and Mental Wellbeing in Europe: Does Age Matter?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-25, September.
    3. Elizabeth A. Minton, 2022. "Pandemics and consumers' mental well‐being," Journal of Consumer Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 56(1), pages 5-14, March.
    4. Bettina Isengard & Ronny König, 2021. "Being Poor and Feeling Rich or Vice Versa? The Determinants of Unequal Income Positions in Old Age Across Europe," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 154(3), pages 767-787, April.

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