Predictors of high self-rated health in home-living older adults aged 80 years and above

Abstract

Background. Self-rated health (SRH) is frequently used to measure health and is a predictor of mortality and functional decline in older adults. To maintain their independent living with good health, it is important to determine predictors of high SRH in older adults. However, knowledge regarding these predictors in older adults aged 80 years and above is scarce. Aim. To determine predictors of a high 12-month SRH in home-living older adults aged 80 and above and to assess dimensions of the positive health (PH) concept in which the predictors are embedded. Method. Secondary data analysis was performed using longitudinal data, collected in the Netherlands between October 2010 and March 2012. SRH was measured by asking participants “How is your health in general?” and dichotomized into high and low. A logistic regression analysis was used to determine relationships between the candidate predictors and SRH. Results. In total, 807 participants, with a median age of 84 years (interquartile range 82–87), were included, and 35.5% of them reported high SRH. Having children, increased physical functioning, less morbidities, no pain/discomfort, and increased vitality are significant predictors that are associated with high SRH. These predictors are embedded in the PH domains of bodily functions and quality of life. Conclusion. The identified predictors and PH domains indicate that health is influenced by not only diseases but also by bodily functions and quality of life. Recommendations. To maintain health, it is recommended for care providers to signal a decrease in physical functioning, vitality, and pain/discomfort in older adults. Prevention strategies and interventions to increase vitality and physical functioning and to reduce pain/discomfort and morbidities are recommended to maintain good health in this population.