Comprehending socio-relational factors of mental wellbeing in the oldest old within Nordic and Mediterranean countries

Abstract

Socio-relational aspects are essential for mental wellbeing (MWB), especially in the oldest old age. Our study aims to explore the socio-relational aspects related to MWB in accordance with the experiences of the oldest old of four European countries; and to examine how these differ between Mediterranean and Nordic people. A total of 117 participants aged 80+ years old were recruited, and 23 focus groups were performed. Qualitative content analysis identified five main themes. Family seemed to be the most important driver of the MWB of the oldest old, followed by relationships with close friends. Participants felt better when they had a sense of being needed, cared for, and connected. Loneliness and isolation negatively affected MWB, although solitude was appreciated. Differences appeared between Mediterranean and Nordic regions. Initiatives to promote positive interactions with family and friends, as well as social activities within the community, may contribute to strengthening MWB in the oldest old.

Perceptions of Adulthood and Mental Health

“…This insight introduces a refined perspective on adulthood, emphasizing the varying impact it has across different life stages. The discovery that perceptions of adulthood are most predictive during established adulthood (ages [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45] suggests that this period's unique social and psychological pressures heavily influence mental health. This stage of life is often marked by intensified demands from various aspects of personal and professional life, which may amplify the impact of adulthood perceptions on mental health.…”

“…The SPI score is calculated using the formula [SPI = (Occupation score * 7) + (Education score * 4)], where lower scores indicate a higher social position. According to the scoring range provided by Hollingshead and Redlich [39], the distribution of social positions within the present sample is as follows: upper (< 17) includes 973 participants (54.9%), upper-middle (17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31) includes 434 participants (24.5%), middle (32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43)(44)(45)(46)(47) includes 215 participants (12.1%), low-middle (48)(49)(50)(51)(52)(53)(54)(55)(56)(57)(58)(59)(60)(61)(62)…”

“…It's important to note that subsequent authors have broadened this perspective by incorporating a diverse range of disorders such as neurodevelopmental, anxiety, disinhibition/impulsivity, stress-related, substance use/addiction, psychotic/schizophrenia, personality, and mood disorders, offering a more holistic representation of mental health [28,29]. This approach underlines the necessity of exploring the relationship between perceptions of adulthood and mental health through a multifaceted lens that encompasses both psychopathological and social well-being aspects [30,31], as well as physical health [32].…”

Process of inner change in advanced age: a qualitative study of older adults in their early 90 s

“…Loneliness and isolation negatively affect mental wellbeing [27]. Existential loneliness emerges from physical limitations and a lack of connection with others and the world around such individuals [28].…”

Perceptions of Adulthood and Mental Health

“…This approach underlines the necessity of exploring the relationship between perceptions of adulthood and mental health through a multifaceted lens that encompasses both psychopathological and social well-being aspects [ 30 , 31 ], as well as physical health [ 32 ].…”