Effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation therapy and strength training among post-menopausal women with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (CMC OA) greatly affects post-menopausal women. It is characterized by pain and functional deficits that limit the performance of activities of daily life and affect quality of life. PURPOSE: Analyze the effects of 4/weeks strength training, with and without proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the disability among post-menopausal women with thumb CMC OA. Secondly, analyze the effects on pain, mobility, and strength. STUDY DESIGN: Superiority randomized clinical trial. METHODS: 42 women were randomly allocated to strength training program (SEG, n = 21) and to a strength training plus PNF therapy program (PNFG, n = 21). The Disability (disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire), pain (visual analogue scale), mobility (Kapandji Test), and hand strength were evaluated pre, post intervention (at 4 weeks) and follow-up (at 8 weeks). RESULTS: Disability was significantly reduced in both groups after intervention, but reduction was statistically superior in PNFG (between-group mean difference [MD] = -16.69 points; CI = -21.56:-11.82; P<.001; d = 2.14). Similar results were observed for secondary outcomes: pain (MD = -2.03; CI = -2.83:-1.22; P<.001; d = 1.58), mobility (MD = 0.96; CI = 0.52:1.38; P<.001; d = 1.40) and strength (grip: MD = 3.47kg; CI = 1.25:5.69; P = .003; d = 0.97, palmar: MD = 0.97kg; CI = 0.14:1.80; P = .024; d = 0.72, tip: MD = 1.12kg; CI = 0.41:1.83; P = .003; d = 0.99 and key pinch: MD = 0.85kg; CI = 0.001:1.70; P = .049; d = 0.62). These improvements were maintained at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of PNF exercises and strength training is more effective for reducing disability pain and improve mobility and strength in post-menopausal women with CMC OA than a programme based solely on strength.

Patients with limited communication in end-of-life situations: Initial psychometric properties of a discomfort observation scale.

This work presents an observational scale which takes into account different observable indicators of discomfort of patients in end-of-life situations with difficulties in communicating due to cognitive impairment, fatigue or sedation and provides details of its validation. In all, 71 adults participated. Model fit was adequate (χ2(27) = 43.28, p = .024, comparative fit index = .975, root mean square error of approximation = .092 and confidence interval 90% (.033-.140)). Alpha coefficient was .70 and composite reliability index was .90. Our study provides data regarding the properties of a discomfort assessment scale. Such a scale is needed and could be very useful for the evaluation of such patients and thus to attend to their needs.

Diferencias de sexo en el uso de estrategias de afrontamiento en personas con lesión medular / Gender Differences in the Use of Coping Strategies by Persons with a Spinal Cord Injury / Diferenças de sexo no uso de estratégias de enfrentamento em pessoas com lesão medular

RESUMEN Objetivo: profundizar en la experiencia de afrontamiento en personas con lesión medular (LM), teniendo en cuenta tanto el afrontamiento actual como el afrontamiento durante momentos iniciales tras sufrir la LM. Materiales y métodos: estudio transversal de encuesta. Participaron 127 personas con LM de larga evolución, 95 hombres y 32 mujeres. Los datos fueron recogidos por medio de un cuestionario online con información sociodemográfica y el Cuestionario de Afrontamiento del Estrés (CAE). Se han realizado análisis descriptivos, pruebas t de Student y análisis multivariados de la varianza (Manovas). Resultados: las comparaciones intrasujetos muestran que la estrategia de focalización en solución de problemas se usa más en el afrontamiento actual. La autofocalización negativa es más utilizada en el afrontamiento pasado, en los momentos iniciales tras sufrir la LM. Los resultados de los Manovas muestran que no existen diferencias en función del sexo en el afrontamiento rememorado ni en el actual. Los Anova de seguimiento para el afrontamiento actual evidencian que las mujeres utilizan más las estrategias de búsqueda de apoyo social y expresión emocional abierta. Conclusiones: no hay diferencias de sexo en el uso de las estrategias de afrontamiento en la LM. Se sugiere seguir investigando cómo el género puede actuar en este proceso.

ABSTRACT Objective: Delve into the experience of coping on the part of persons with a spinal cord injury (SCI), contemplating both current coping and coping during the initial moments after suffering a SCI. Materials and methods: This is cross-sectional survey. The participants included 127 persons with long-term SCI: 95 men and 32 women. The information was collected through an online questionnaire with sociodemographic information and through the Stress Coping Questionnaire (CAE). Descriptive analyzes, student t-tests and multivariate analysis of variance (Manovas) were conducted. Results: Intrasubject comparisons show the strategy focused on problem-solving is used more in current coping. Negative self-targeting was used more in past coping, during the initial moments after suffering the ML. The results of the Manovas show there are no gender differences in remembered coping or in current coping. The follow-up Anova for current coping shows women make more use of strategies involving a search for social support and open emotional expression. Conclusions: There are no gender differences in the use of coping strategies in the case of ML. It is suggested that further research be done on how gender can act in this process.

RESUMO Objetivo: aprofundar na experiência de enfrentamento em pessoas com lesão medular (LM), contemplando tanto o enfrentamento atual quanto o enfrentamento durante momentos iniciais após sofrer a LM. Materiais e métodos: estudo transversal com questionário. Participaram 127 pessoas com LM de longa evolução, 95 homens e 32 mulheres. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário on-line com informação sociodemográfica e pelo Questionário de Enfrentamento do Estresse. Foram realizadas análises descritivas, testes t de Student e análises multivariadas da variância (Manovas). Resultados: as comparações realizadas intrassujeitos mostram que a estratégia de focalização em solução de problemas se usa mais no enfrentamento atual. A autofocalização negativa é mais utilizada no enfrentamento passado, nos momentos iniciais logo após sofrer a LM. Os resultados das Manovas mostram que não há diferenças em função do sexo no enfrentamento recordado nem no atual. As Anova de seguimento para o enfrentamento atual evidenciam que as mulheres utilizam mais as estratégias de busca de apoio social e expressão emocional aberta. Conclusões: não se constataram diferenças de sexo no uso das estratégias de enfrentamento na LM. Sugere-se continuar pesquisando como o gênero pode agir nesse processo.

The relationship of sexism and gender ideology to self-concept and self-esteem in persons with spinal cord injury / Relaciones entre sexismo e ideología de género con autoconcepto y autoestima en personas con LM

Adjustment to an unexpected physical disability is usually complex and multidimensional. Many variables may affect this adjustment, a process that would facilitate or limit adequate vital adjustment and psychological well-being. This research dealt with the specific effects that sexism and gender stereotypes have on the self-concept and self-esteem of people with spinal injuries. The research was a cross-sectional survey. The sample consisted of 127 people with long tern spinal injuries, 95 of them were men and 32 were women. MANOVAs were calculated to test for gender differences on self-esteem, self-concept, traditional sexism and neosexism. No significant differences were found. Additionally sexism measures were correlated to self-esteem and self-concept for both men and women. Results have shown that men with highest levels of neosexism had lower levels of emotional and family self-concept. That result did not hold for women, suggesting a buffer of gender on sexism and self-concept relationships. Discussion suggests the relevant role that intervention programs may play to improve gender equality in order to reduce sexism

El proceso de adaptación a una discapacidad física sobrevenida es complejo y multidimensional. En él influyen muchas variables que pueden condicionar un adecuado ajuste vital y conseguir bienestar psicológico. Este estudio aborda los efectos específicos del sexismo y los estereotipos de género en la autoestima y autoconcepto de las personas con lesión medular (LM). El diseño es transversal y correlacional. La muestra está constituida por 127 personas con lesión medular de larga evolución, 95 varones y 32 mujeres. Los resultados de los MANOVAS no muestran diferencias estadísticamente significativas en función del género en las siguientes variables: Autoestima, Autoconcepto, Sexismo Tradicional y Neosexismo. Las relaciones entre variables sugieren que existen relaciones negativas entre neosexismo, autoestima y autoconcepto emocional y familiar en varones con LM, pero no en mujeres con LM. La discusión plantea el relevante papel que pueden tener los programas de intervención que fomenten la igualdad de género para disminuir el sexismo

Beneficios del ejercicio físico en población mayor institucionalizada / Benefits of physical activity in nursing home residents

ObjetivoEvaluar la eficacia del ejercicio físico sobre el nivel físico, funcional y psicológico de personas mayores institucionalizadas.Material y métodoEstudio cuasi-experimental sobre personas mayores institucionalizadas en dos residencias. La intervención consistió en un programa de ejercicio físico suave de 2 sesiones semanales de 60min durante 8 semanas. Se evaluó la movilidad articular, fuerza muscular, marcha y equilibrio, situación funcional, dolor, estado cognitiva y sensación de bienestar psicológico.ResultadosLos participantes se dividieron en grupo de intervención (n=24) y grupo control (n=27). Se obtuvieron mejorías estadísticamente significativas en la extensión de rodilla, flexores de codo y extensores de rodilla, equilibrio y marcha, capacidad funcional y cognitiva, así como bienestar del grupo de intervención. Finalmente, tras el tratamiento, la percepción de dolor fue menor.ConclusionesLa aplicación de programas de ejercicio físico presenta resultados positivos tanto en aspectos de carácter físico como funcional y psicológico. Por tanto, tratamientos de ejercicio físico pueden permitir al anciano prevenir o retardar diversas alteraciones asociadas al envejecimiento, evitando con ello incapacidades y pérdidas de funciones(AU)

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of physical exercise on physical, functional and psychological dimensions in nursing home residents.Material and methodA quasi-experimental design was used to test for treatment effects in a sample of elderly residents in two nursing homes. The treatment consisted of 8 weeks (two 60-minute sessions per week) of light physical exercise. Joint mobility, muscle strength, walking and stability, functional capacity, pain, cognitive status and psychological well-being were assessed as potential treatment outcomes.ResultsParticipants were divided in a treatment group (n=24) and a control group (n=27). Statistically significant differences were found in knee extension, elbow flexors and knee extensors, stability and walking ability, as well as in functional capacity, cognitive functioning, and well-being. Pain perception decreased after the treatment.ConclusionsThe application of a physical activity program had positive effects on physical, functional and psychological facets of the residents’ lives. Therefore, physical activity may prevent or reduce several medical and psychological problems associated with old age, thus avoiding functional loss and disability(AU)

[Benefits of physical activity in nursing home residents]. / Beneficios del ejercicio físico en población mayor institucionalizada.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of physical exercise on physical, functional and psychological dimensions in nursing home residents. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A quasi-experimental design was used to test for treatment effects in a sample of elderly residents in two nursing homes. The treatment consisted of 8 weeks (two 60-minute sessions per week) of light physical exercise. Joint mobility, muscle strength, walking and stability, functional capacity, pain, cognitive status and psychological well-being were assessed as potential treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Participants were divided in a treatment group (n=24) and a control group (n=27). Statistically significant differences were found in knee extension, elbow flexors and knee extensors, stability and walking ability, as well as in functional capacity, cognitive functioning, and well-being. Pain perception decreased after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a physical activity program had positive effects on physical, functional and psychological facets of the residents' lives. Therefore, physical activity may prevent or reduce several medical and psychological problems associated with old age, thus avoiding functional loss and disability.

El desarrollo de la identidad en la adolescencia y adultez emergente: Una comparación de la identidad global frente a la identidad en dominios específicos / Identity development in the adolescence and emergent adulthood: a comparison of global identity versus identity in specific domains

Los objetivos de este estudio fueron examinar el desarrollo y estructura de la identidad a lo largo de la adolescencia y la influencia de las principales figuras de apoyo social y de la autoestima en este proceso. En una muestra de 283 adolescentes entre 14 y 22 años se tomaron dos medidas del desarrollo de la identidad (identidad global e identidad en los dominios relacional y escolar), del apoyo social percibido y de la autoestima global. Los resultados indican una maduración en el desarrollo de la identidad, especialmente durante la adolescencia tardía y en el área escolar. Las diferencias entre sexos identificadas muestran un avance evolutivo más rápido en las chicas en la formación de identidad y tanto en el dominio relacional como en el escolar. Se discute también la moderada pero consistente contribución de la autoestima y el apoyo social a la formación de la identidad. El apoyo relacional de los iguales, más que el de los padres, se muestra como un factor decisivo(AU)

The aims of this study were to examine the development and structure of identity across adolescence and the influence of the main social support sources and selfesteem in this process. Measures were taken in a sample of 283 young people between 14 and 22 years, including two measures of identity development (global identity and domain specific identity, relational and school identity), perceived social support and global selfesteem. Results pointed out a progressive development of the identity, especially at the late adolescence and in school domain. Sex differences highlighted faster identity development in girls, both in relational and school domain. The moderate, but consistent, contribution of selfesteem and social support to identity development is also discussed. Peer social support is a decisive factor in identity development, more than parental support(AU)

Envejecimiento y bienestar: avances en investigación / Aging and well-being: advances in research

Los importantes cambios demográficos del último siglo han provocado un aumento de la longevidad y, por tanto, del número de adultos mayores, lo cual hay un incremento en la investigación con este grupo de edad y más concretamente en relación con el bienestar. Así, se ha podido constatar que en el envejecimiento, el bienestar subjetivo, compuesto por un componente cognitivo y otro afectivo tanto negativo como positivo, parece mantenerse estable y poco sujeto a cambiar con el tiempo. Por otra parte, en relación con el bienestar psicológico, estudiado a partir de las escalas de bienestar de Ryff, se ha observado, en diferentes trabajos, que las dimensiones crecimiento personal y propósito en la vida mantienen correlaciones negativas con le edad y, en consecuencia, experimenta más cambios.

Demographic changes in the last century have produced longer life expectancy and therefore there is a greater proportion of elderly in the population. As a consequence, there has been growing interest in research of elderly people, especially in terms of their well-being. There is research evidence that well-being in the elderly may be understood as a two-components construct: subjective well-being, that remains relatively stable during life span; and psychological well-being, that negatively changes with age, especially in the dimensions of personal growth and life purpose.

Comparación del bienestar psicológico de personas mayores dominicanas y españolas / Comparison of psychological well-being among Dominican and Spanish elders

Introducción El bienestar y su relación con diferentes variables se ha convertido en los últimos años en un aspecto central en los trabajos de Gerontología. Dada su importancia, este trabajo examina diferentes factores que potencialmente pueden influir en el bienestar psicológico de las personas mayores. Material y métodos La investigación, de carácter transcultural, se basa en una encuesta que se realizó a 2 muestras de personas mayores de 65 años, una de la República Dominicana (n=1.296) y otra de España (n=476), extraídas, respectivamente, mediante muestreo estratificado y por cuotas. Los análisis incluyen datos estadísticos descriptivos, correlaciones y análisis de covarianza multivariado.Resultados En el conjunto de ambas muestras, los factores sociodemográficos tuvieron un efecto, tanto multivariante como univariante, sobre el bienestar. Sin embargo, los tamaños de los efectos fueron, en general, bastante bajos, alcanzando la significación fundamentalmente los efectos aislados de los factores. La edad se relacionó negativamente con el bienestar. Respecto al estado civil, los sujetos casados tuvieron mayores grados en algunos de los factores de bienestar. Los niveles de estudio más altos se asociaban también a mayores grados en alguno de los factores de bienestar. El efecto de mayor tamaño fue el correspondiente a país; los sujetos dominicanos presentaron un grado de bienestar menor, incluso al controlar estadísticamente el resto de los factores.Conclusiones Una primera conclusión es que los factores sociodemográficos estudiados no actúan diferencialmente en ambos países, dada la baja capacidad explicativa de las interacciones entre factores. No obstante, hay un efecto sistemático de los factores sociodemográficos, independientemente (..) (AU)

Introduction Well-being and its association with distinct factors have played a central role in the arena of psychogerontology research. Given the importance of this topic, the present study examined several factors that could influence well-being among the elderly of two countries. Material and methods This cross-cultural study was based on a survey of two samples of elderly people, one from the Dominican Republic (N=1,296) and another from Spain (N=476), sampled, respectively, by stratification and quota sampling. Analyses included descriptive statistics, correlations and a multivariate analysis of covariance. Results Overall, sociodemographic factors were found to affect well-being both in the univariate and multivariate analyses. Nevertheless, the effect sizes were, in general, rather low. These effects were basically due to main effects rather than interactions. Age was negatively related to well-being. Marriage was associated with the highest levels of some well-being dimensions. The highest educational levels were also associated with higher levels of some well-being dimensions. The largest effect was due to country, with Dominicans scoring lower on all well-being dimensions, even after statistically controlling for other factors.Conclusions A main conclusion of this study was that sociodemographic factors did not differentially affect the two countries, given the rather low interaction effects. However, systematic effects were found for sociodemographic factors, independently of country. These effects were analyzed in light of the distinction between subjective and psychological well-being, and the data failed to support the idea of a different profile of results on these two types of well-being dimensions. Finally, given the large effect of country on all well-being dimensions, the relative importance of several sociopolitical and cultural factors was analyzed (AU)

[Comparison of psychological well-being among Dominican and Spanish elders]. / Comparación del bienestar psicológico de personas mayores dominicanas y españolas.

INTRODUCTION: Well-being and its association with distinct factors have played a central role in the arena of psychogerontology research. Given the importance of this topic, the present study examined several factors that could influence well-being among the elderly of two countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-cultural study was based on a survey of two samples of elderly people, one from the Dominican Republic (N=1,296) and another from Spain (N=476), sampled, respectively, by stratification and quota sampling. Analyses included descriptive statistics, correlations and a multivariate analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Overall, sociodemographic factors were found to affect well-being both in the univariate and multivariate analyses. Nevertheless, the effect sizes were, in general, rather low. These effects were basically due to main effects rather than interactions. Age was negatively related to well-being. Marriage was associated with the highest levels of some well-being dimensions. The highest educational levels were also associated with higher levels of some well-being dimensions. The largest effect was due to country, with Dominicans scoring lower on all well-being dimensions, even after statistically controlling for other factors. CONCLUSIONS: A main conclusion of this study was that sociodemographic factors did not differentially affect the two countries, given the rather low interaction effects. However, systematic effects were found for sociodemographic factors, independently of country. These effects were analyzed in light of the distinction between subjective and psychological well-being, and the data failed to support the idea of a different profile of results on these two types of well-being dimensions. Finally, given the large effect of country on all well-being dimensions, the relative importance of several sociopolitical and cultural factors was analyzed.

[An analysis of well-being and age in the elderly]. / Análisis del bienestar en la vejez según la edad.

INTRODUCTION: well-being is a key construct for understanding quality of life. The aim of the present study was to analyze how well-being changes in old age and to determine if there are any modifications in this variable during this period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: the LIS and EBR scales were applied to a sample of 169 persons aged more than 64 years. Linear and curvilinear regressions were estimated to understand the associations among age, well-being and life satisfaction. RESULTS: pearson correlations showed statistically significant negative relations among age and environmental mastery, personal growth, purpose in life, and overall well-being. However, life satisfaction showed a curvilinear, quadratic relation with age, revealing that this dimension decreases in the first few years of old age but increases again after the age of 85 years. CONCLUSIONS: the decrease in several well-being factors could be caused by the increase in adaptive accommodation strategies. Increased longevity, together with better health, competence and relationships could potentially explain the increase in life satisfaction among the oldest population.

Modelos factoriales confirmatorios de las escalas de Ryff en una muestra de personas mayores / Factorial confirmatory models of Ryff’s scales in a sample of elderly people

En los últimos años distintos trabajos han intentado analizar la estructura del constructo bienestar. Como objetivo de nuestro trabajo pretendemos analizar la estructura factorial de las escalas de Ryff, pero en una subpoblación específica, la población mayor, en la que esta variable resulta fundamental en todos los modelos teóricos que analizan su calidad de vida. La muestra estaba compuesta por 169 sujetos, mayores de 65 años, de la Comunidad Valenciana y se utilizaron las escalas de Ryff, en la versión de 54 ítems. Previo a los análisis se realizó un agrupamiento de los ítems originales en 18 indicadores, tres por factor. Posteriormente se realizaron una serie de análisis factoriales confirmatorios que incluían la mayor parte de los modelos teóricos puestos a prueba en la literatura tanto en población general de distintos países, como en subpoblaciones específicas. En cuanto a los resultados, los valores de ajuste obtenidos fueron similares a los encontrados en la mayoría de los trabajos, encontrándose un mayor apoyo empírico para los modelos de seis factores oblicuos defendidos por los autores de las escalas, así como a una modificación de cinco factores que colapsaba las dimensiones de dominio del ambiente y autoaceptación en un solo factor, también oblicuos (AU)

Several recent works have analysed the factorial structure of well-being measures. The aim of our study is to analyse the factorial structure of a widely used well-being scale, Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-being, but in a specific subpopulation of the Spanish population, the elderly. For this particular subpopulation, the construct of well-being has been employed in most theoretical models that explain quality of life, and its role is therefore pivotal. The sample comprised 169 elderly people (65 years or more), sampled within the Valencian Community. The 54-item version of Ryff’s scales was used. An item parcelling process was analytically employed before confirmatory factor analyses, allowing a total of 18 well-being indicators. Confirmatory factor analyses were specified and tested, including all theoretical and empirical solutions found in the literature, either in the general population or in specific populations of different cultural contexts. Goodness-of-fit results were similar to the ones found in the literature. Best solutions were a six-factor model with correlated factors, as defended by the authors, and a five-factor correlated solution, collapsing environmental mastery and self-acceptance into a single factor (AU)

Relaciones entre variables físicas y de bienestar en la calidad de vida de las personas mayores / Relationship between psychological and physical dimensions of life quality in elderly persons

De las dimensiones de la calidad de vida -psicológicas,físicas y sociales-, se analizaron las relacionesentre las dos primeras. Como medida de ABVD seutilizó el Índice de Barthel y, para el bienestar, laLSI-A y las Escalas de Ryff. Se aplicaron a unamuestra de 176 jubilados de la provincia de Valencia.Se realizaron correlaciones de Pearson y regresionesjerárquicas, encontrándose relaciones positivasentre el Índice de Barthel y el dominio delambiente y la satisfacción general, y negativas con elfactor relaciones positivas con otros. Además, las variablespredictoras del Índice de Barthel son las propiasdel bienestar subjetivo(AU)

Psychological and physical dimensions of life quality were analyzed,and their interrelationships tested. Physical dimension oflife quality was measured with Barthel’s index of daily life activities.Psychological dimension of life quality was measuredwith Ryff’s scales of well-being, plus Life Satisfaction Indexform A. A sample of 176 retired people was interviewed. Allparticipants lived in Valencia province (Spain). Pearson’s correlationsand hierarchical multiple regressions were estimated toanalyze the relationships among physical activity, well-beingand life satisfaction. Positive relations were found amongBarthel’s index, life satisfaction and environmental mastery.There were negative relationships between Barthel’s index andpositive relationships with others, a factor of well-being. Overall,subjective well-being factors were more related to physicalactivity than either life satisfaction or other well-being factors(AU)

[Factorial confirmatory models of Ryff's scales in a sample of elderly people]. / Modelos factoriales confirmatorios de las escalas de Ryff en una muestra de personas mayores.

Several recent works have analysed the factorial structure of well-being measures. The aim of our study is to analyse the factorial structure of a widely used well-being scale, Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-being, but in a specific subpopulation of the Spanish population, the elderly. For this particular subpopulation, the construct of well-being has been employed in most theoretical models that explain quality of life, and its role is therefore pivotal. The sample comprised 169 elderly people (65 years or more), sampled within the Valencian Community. The 54-item version of Ryff's scales was used. An item parcelling process was analytically employed before confirmatory factor analyses, allowing a total of 18 well-being indicators. Confirmatory factor analyses were specified and tested, including all theoretical and empirical solutions found in the literature, either in the general population or in specific populations of different cultural contexts. Goodness-of-fit results were similar to the ones found in the literature. Best solutions were a six-factor model with correlated factors, as defended by the authors, and a five-factor correlated solution, collapsing environmental mastery and self-acceptance into a single factor.

Análisis del bienestar en la vejez según la edad / An analysis of well-being and age in the elderly

Introducción: el objetivo de este trabajo es conocer cómo el bienestar evoluciona con la edad una vez llegados al período de la vejez y si existen cambios en esta variable tan relacionada con la calidad de vida. Material y método: se aplicó a una muestra de 169 personas de más de 65 años la Life Satisfaction Index (LSI) y las escalas de bienestar de Ryff; se realizaron regresiones lineales simples y curvilíneas para ver su relación con la edad. Resultados: las correlaciones de Pearson mostraron que parece existir una relación de disminución, tanto del bienestar como indicador global como de tres de sus dimensiones, con la edad. Por otra parte, la satisfacción vital muestra como mejor ajuste el cuadrático, lo que indica que, mientras en los primeros años de la vejez efectivamente hay una disminución, a partir de los 85 años se produce un repunte de la satisfacción vital. Conclusiones: el aumento de estrategias adaptativas de carácter acomodativo se presupone como causa del descenso de los indicadores más propios del bienestar psicológico. Por otra parte, el aumento de la longevidad y su relación con variables de salud, competencia y relaciones pueden estar generando un aumento de la satisfacción por las características diferenciales de la propia muestra

Introduction: well-being is a key construct for understanding quality of life. The aim of the present study was to analyze how well-being changes in old age and to determine if there are any modifications in this variable during this period. Material and methods: the LIS and EBR scales were applied to a sample of 169 persons aged more than 64 years. Linear and curvilinear regressions were estimated to understand the associations among age, well-being and life satisfaction. Results: pearson correlations showed statistically significant negative relations among age and environmental mastery, personal growth, purpose in life, and overall well-being. However, life satisfaction showed a curvilinear, quadratic relation with age, revealing that this dimension decreases in the first few years of old age but increases again after the age of 85 years. Conclusions: the decrease in several well-being factors could be caused by the increase in adaptive accommodation strategies. Increased longevity, together with better health, competence and relationships could potentially explain the increase in life satisfaction among the oldest population (AU)

Análisis de las redes sociales en la vejez a través de la entrevista Manheim / Analyses of the social networks for the elderly through the Manheim interview

OBJETIVO: Reconocer quiénes son las figuras suministradoras de apoyo, psicológico e instrumental, en la vejez, así como precisar si existen diferencias en función de la edad y el sexo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizó la entrevista Manheim de apoyo social y se recogieron las opiniones de 101 personas mayores (>65 años) de la provincia de Valencia (España), entre enero y mayo de 2006. RESULTADOS: Se han encontrado diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el apoyo psicológico y el instrumental y tanto en relación con la edad como con el sexo del entrevistado. CONCLUSIONES: Respecto del género, los datos muestran que los hombres reciben más apoyo de sus parejas, mientras que las mujeres tienden a priorizar a los hijos como suministradores de apoyo. Acerca de la edad, las parejas son más importantes en la primera de las franjas de edad consideradas (65-75 años) y a medida que la edad aumenta los hijos las reemplazan.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse who are the people giving psychological and instrumental support to the elderly, as well as potential differences among these caregivers according to age and/or sex of the elderly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Manheim interview for social support was used to gather the opinions of 101 elder people (>65 years) living in Valencia (Spain), from January to May, 2006. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found on both psychological and instrumental support depending on age and sex of the interviewed elderly. CONCLUSIONS: With respect to sex differences old men seek for support mainly from their partners, while son and daughters are the main source of support for old women. With respect to age, there are changes in the figures giving support as age increases. Partners are the main figure to give support within the 65-75 years, but its importance decreases with age, while sons and daughters became more important as age of the elderly increases.

[Analyses of the social networks for the elderly through the Manheim interview]. / Análisis de las redes sociales en la vejez a través de la entrevista Manheim.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse who are the people giving psychological and instrumental support to the elderly, as well as potential differences among these caregivers according to age and/or sex of the elderly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Manheim interview for social support was used to gather the opinions of 101 elder people (>65 years) living in Valencia (Spain), from January to May, 2006. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found on both psychological and instrumental support depending on age and sex of the interviewed elderly. CONCLUSIONS: With respect to sex differences old men seek for support mainly from their partners, while son and daughters are the main source of support for old women. With respect to age, there are changes in the figures giving support as age increases. Partners are the main figure to give support within the 65-75 years, but its importance decreases with age, while sons and daughters became more important as age of the elderly increases.