Wellbeing in Old Age. Life history, sense of coherence and social networks in relation to health

Abstract: A conceptual model for the relationships between wellbeing and health in old age were construed. In the model life history evaluations, current sense of coherence (SOC) and social network characteristics defined wellbeing. Health was defined as reported symptoms, subjective health and health care utilization. Firstly, interrelationships between the wellbeing aspects and between the health aspects were studied. Secondly, relationships between wellbeing and health were studied. In the second part of the analyses, depressive mood was added to the wellbeing aspects. Gender differences were studied according to the relationships between social network characteristics and health. Social network characteristics, reported symptoms, subjective health and health care utilization were assessed for 107 men and 77 women, 71 years of age. Life history evaluations and SOC were assessed in a sub-sample of 58 men and women. The life history evaluations were based on semi structured interviews according to the psychosocial conflicts proposed by Erik. H. Erikson. All other aspects of wellbeing and health were assessed using established standardized measures. Results showed that positive life history evaluations regarding the early childhood and adolescence periods where associated with a strong SOC. In addition, positive evaluations of the adult period were associated with satisfying social network characteristics. For the men evaluations of the school and the adolescence periods were also social network related. Reported symptoms, subjective health and health care utilization were all interrelated. Few reported symptoms were associated with a strong SOC, a satisfying social network and less depressive mood. Aspects of the social network were related to the symptom report. For women, dissatisfaction with social participation and support from the neighborhood where associated with stomach symptoms. For men, dissatisfactions with instrumental support and children contacts were associated with tension symptoms. Generally, the connection between social network and health were stronger for women. Thus, for a phenomenological understanding of elderly individuals' wellbeing and health, it is important to consider psychological and social factors such as gender, life history, sense of coherence, social network characteristics and perceived health.