EPA-0191 – Subjective Age and Adjustment to Aging in Romania and Portugal: A Comparative Multiple Correspondence Analysis

Abstract

Objective:

To analyze the manifestations of adjustment to aging (AtA) and subjective age (SA) identified by older adults and to investigate the latent constructs that can work as major manifestations in AtA and SA in an older Portuguese and Romanian population.

Methods:

Measures were completed, using a variety of culturally appropriate methods, including demographics and interviews. Complete data were available for 64 older adults aged between 72–99 years (M=80.1; SD = 5.8). Data was subjected to content analysis. Representation of the associations and latent constructs were analyzed by a Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA).

Results:

The most prevalent response of the interviewed participants for AtA was’Accomplishment, personal fulfillment, and future projects’ (24.1%).’With apprehension’ (33.3%) was identified as the most frequent SA response. Findings showed a model for each nationality. AtA and SA for Portuguese elderly were explained by a three-factor model:’conciliated’,’young-at-heart’ and’involved’. A three-dimension model formed by’satisfied’,’attentive’ and’concerned’ was indicated as a best-fit solution for Romanian elderly.

Conclusions:

AtA and SA are strongly explained by increased likelihood of specific constructs in its definition. AtA was differently related to SA in older adults in both samples.