Background People in very old age (VOA) are expected to be confronted with particularly negative stereotypes. These influence societally shared behavior towards and judgements about them. Such external evaluations of individuals’ lives are considered a crucial part of their quality of life (QoL). Objective The present study elaborated a) the societal appreciation perceived by people in VOA and b) the stereotypes about people in VOA held by stakeholders from key societal areas. The aim was to discuss possible connections between these external standards and individual life results. Material and methods A parallel mixed methods design was employed. Cross-sectional data from a representative survey of people aged 80 years and older (n = 1863) were analyzed by means of χ2-tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests to examine differences in perceived societal appreciation (PSA) by characteristics of the person, their biography, and current lifestyle. Linear regression models were used to investigate the impact of these characteristics on PSA. Regarding stereotypes about people in VOA, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from key societal areas (n = 22) were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The quantitative and qualitative findings were juxtaposed for comparison. Results PSA was predicted by health-related variables and productive activities. Several societal stakeholders highlighted that age-related losses pose challenges on very old individuals, their families, and society, whereas remaining potentials in VOA can and should be used for the benefit of others; however, stakeholders‘ perceptions differed by the extent of their professional contact with (very) old people. Different pathways were proposed through which the observed stereotypes and determinants of PSA might be connected (e.g., stereotype internalization). Conclusion Our study illustrates the relevance of external standards for individual QoL and highlights the need for a normative perspective in the discussion about QoL and its enhancement.

Background Individuals’ ideals and aspirations are considered to constitute a central reference frame for subjective evaluations of their perceived reality, and, thus, to be crucial for individual quality of life (QoL) outcomes. By examining individual values and spirituality in very old people, the aim of this study was to describe two constructs representing the aspirations of the individual, as well as the relation of these constructs to both hedonic and eudaimonic QoL outcomes in very old age (VOA). Material and methods Cross-sectional data from a representative survey of people in VOA (NRW80+, n = 1863) were used. Individual values were assessed based on the Portrait Value Questionnaire. A revised questionnaire was developed drawing on the Spiritual Health and Life-Orientation Measure. Individual values and spirituality were studied using descriptive statistics, and hierarchical linear regression models were used to analyze their predictive value for two QoL outcomes: 1) affective well-being as an indicator of hedonic QoL, which was assessed using the positive affect subscale of the short form of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and 2) engagement with life, which captures eudaimonic aspects and which was measured with a subscale of the Valuation of Life Scale. Results The most important values were both protection and growth-oriented values with a social focus. However, only values representing strivings for growth had a positive association with QoL outcomes. Spirituality was of high relevance to very old people, although not in the sense of religious institutions or practices. Rather, it predominantly consisted in environmental, interpersonal, and transcendental connectedness, all of which were positively connected to QoL outcomes. Conclusion Individual values and spirituality can be an important resource for hedonic as well as eudaimonic QoL; however, age-related losses may lead to an emphasis of protective values that are not beneficial in terms of QoL. To support older people on their spiritual journey, a broad concept of spirituality needs to be established among researchers as well as practitioners.

ZusammenfassungZwischen November 2020 und April 2021 wurde im Rahmen der bundesweit repräsentativen Studie „Hohes Alter in Deutschland“ eine schriftliche Befragung von mehr als 10.000 Personen ab 80 Jahren zu deren Lebenssituation und Lebensqualität durchgeführt. Hiervon beantworteten 3233 Personen bis Dezember 2021 in einem zusätzlichen telefonischen Interview detaillierte Fragen zu ihrer Internet- und Techniknutzung. Auf dieser Grundlage stellt der vorliegende Kurzbericht dar, wie hochaltrige Menschen in Deutschland moderner Technik wie dem Internet und digitalen Geräten gegenüber eingestellt sind und ob, wie häufig und wofür sie diese nutzen.

ZusammenfassungZwischen November 2020 und April 2021 wurde im Rahmen der bundesweiten Studie „Hohes Alter in Deutschland“ eine Befragung von mehr als 10.000 Personen ab 80 Jahren zu deren Lebenssituation und Lebensqualität durchgeführt. Dieser Kurzbericht aus der deutschlandweiten Repräsentativbefragung stellt dar, welche Werte hochaltrige Menschen in Deutschland vertreten, wie sie das gesellschaftliche Zusammenleben wahrnehmen und welche Wünsche sie für ihre konkrete eigene Situation, für andere Menschen oder für unsere Gesellschaft als Ganzes haben.