Is Mental Well-Being in the Oldest Old Different from That in Younger Age Groups? Exploring the Mental Well-Being of the Oldest-Old Population in Europe

Valeria Donisi, Federico Tedeschi, Juan Luis Gonzalez-Caballero, Johanna Cresswell-Smith, Elvira Lara, Marta Miret, Anna K. Forsman, Kristian Wahlbeck, Francesco Amaddeo and Jorid Kalseth ()
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Valeria Donisi: University of Verona
Federico Tedeschi: University of Verona
Juan Luis Gonzalez-Caballero: University of Cádiz
Johanna Cresswell-Smith: National Institute for Health and Welfare
Elvira Lara: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Marta Miret: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Anna K. Forsman: Åbo Akademi University
Kristian Wahlbeck: National Institute for Health and Welfare
Francesco Amaddeo: University of Verona
Jorid Kalseth: SINTEF Digital

Journal of Happiness Studies, 2021, vol. 22, issue 4, No 9, 1693-1717

Abstract: Abstract The oldest-old population is increasing in Europe, and greater focus is placed on promoting mental well-being (MWB) in this population. The European Welfare Models and Mental Wellbeing in Final Years of Life project aims to develop a better understanding of how best to promote positive MWB in the oldest-old population. Using a resources approach, the present study aimed to provide empirical evidence about the structure of MWB in the 80 + year age group and to compare this with the structure of MWB in the old (65–79 years) and adult (18–64 years) population. Twenty-eight items reflecting a focus on positive aspects of MWB were selected from the European Social Survey data (24 countries). After application of an exploratory approach using Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling, five- and six-factor model solutions were found to be statistically appropriate, and the results are consistent with the most widely studied dimensions of MWB. Despite specific differences in the factor models and item loadings, evaluation of formal invariance showed that dimensions built in the same way are comparable across age groups. Although explorative and not conclusive, the results of this study contribute insights into the multidimensional structure of MWB in the oldest-old population and provide a starting point for further research on promoting MWB in the later stages of life.

Keywords: Mental wellbeing; ESEM; Oldest old; Psychological wellbeing; European Social Survey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1007/s10902-020-00292-y

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