Much information is available about physical and functional health among very old adults, but little knowledge exists about the mental health and mental health changes in very late life. This study reports findings concerning positive and negative affect changes among centenarians. Nineteen centenarians from a Midwestern state participated in four…

This study investigated how perceived stress, social support, and home-based physical activity affected older adults' fatigue, loneliness, and depression. We also explored whether social support and physical activity mediated the relationships between stress and mental health problems. The data of 163 older participants were analyzed in this…

The study reports on factors predicting the longevity of 328 people over the age of 65 drawn from an English city and followed over 20 years. Both the reported activities score and the individual's comparative evaluation of their own level of activity independently reduced the risk of death, even when health and cognitive status were taken into…

This study examined the association between physical activity (PA) and psychological well-being--self-esteem and relatedness satisfaction--among 102 Hong Kong Chinese older adults. It also tested whether independent-interdependent self-construal moderated the association. Physical activity, self esteem, relatedness satisfaction, and self-construal…

Examined life philosophy among 189 participants at seniors' games. Findings suggest that sport and physical recreation may be important coping strategy for some older adults who find life meaning and sense of achievement in challenging themselves physically. Beyond general optimism in life orientation, uncertainties about future left many with…

Asked older individuals (N=24) questions regarding which of their cognitive abilities have changed with age. Subjects' reports about memory corresponded with previous research, i.e., memory decreases with increasing age. For problem-solving abilities, subjects' reports did not correspond with research, i.e., abilities increased with age. Factors…

Describes the correlates of life satisfaction and desired control among 79 elderly residents by assessing residents at three points in time. Both life satisfaction and desired control were intercorrelated and related to other indices of psychological well-being at all three points in time. (Author/RC)

A path analysis model was applied to data on (N=98) older Mexican Americans. Measures of perceived intergenerational solidarity and activity were treated as intervening variables between health and socioeconomic status and life satisfaction. The addition of intergenerational solidarity to the variables contributed significantly to the explanation…

Explores the strengths and limitations of the continuity perspective on aging. Delineates current usages of the concept. Reviews literature for evidence that continuity is, in fact, characteristic of the aging process and for indications that it is positively related to morale in old age. (Author)