Journal Article

Mixed-methods quantitative–qualitative study of 29 nonagenarians and centenarians in rural Southern Italy: focus on positive psychological traits

Antonini, Paola, Montross, Lori P., Brenner, David, Jeste, Dilip V., Schork, Nicholas, Di Somma, Salvatore, Scelzo, Anna

2018

Overview

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis was a study of positive psychological traits in a group of rural Italians aged 90 to 101 years, and their children or other family members. DesignMixed-methods quantitative (standardized rating scales) and qualitative (semi-structured interviews) study. SettingStudy participants’ homes in nine villages in the Cilento region of southern Italy. ParticipantsTwenty-nine nonagenarians and centenarians and 51 family members aged 51–75 years, selected by their general practitioners as a part of a larger study called CIAO (Cilento Initiative on Aging Outcomes). MethodsWe used published rating scales of mental and physical well-being, resilience, optimism, anxiety, depression, and perceived stress. Qualitative interviews gathered personal narratives of the oldest-old individuals, including migrations, traumatic events, and beliefs. Family members described their impressions about the personality traits of their older relative. ResultsParticipants age ≥90 years had worse physical health but better mental well-being than their younger family members. Mental well-being correlated negatively with levels of depression and anxiety in both the groups. The main themes that emerged from qualitative interviews included positivity (resilience and optimism), working hard, and bond with family and religion, as described in previously published studies of the oldest old, but also a need for control and love of the land, which appeared to be unique features of this rural population. ConclusionsExceptional longevity was characterized by a balance between acceptance of and grit to overcome adversities along with a positive attitude and close ties to family, religion, and land, providing purpose in life.

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press,Elsevier Inc
• Subject: Age / Aged / Aged, 80 and over / Aging / Aging - physiology / Aging - psychology / Anxiety / Anxiety - diagnosis / Anxiety - epidemiology / Attitudes / Census of Population / Centenarians / Cognition / Cognitive Dysfunction - diagnosis / Cognitive Dysfunction - epidemiology / cognitive impairment / depression / Depression - diagnosis / Depression - epidemiology / European cultural groups / Families & family life / Family - psychology / Family physicians / Female / Geriatrics / Gerontology / Health status / Humans / Impressions / Interviews / Interviews as Topic / Italy - epidemiology / Male / Measures / Medicine / Mental depression / Mental health / Mental Health - statistics & numerical data / Middle Aged / Mixed methods research / Narratives / Older people / Oldest old people / Optimism / Personality / Personality traits / Physicians / Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Purpose in life / Qualitative Research / Quality of Life / Quantitative analysis / Ratings & rankings / Relatives / Religion / Resilience / Resilience (Psychology) / Resilience, Psychological / Retrospective Studies / Rural areas / Rural population / Social Support / Stress / Trauma / Traumatic life events / Very old / Villages / Well being