Changes in psychological well-being among older Lithuanian city dwellers: Results from a cohort study

Background/Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate changes of psychological well-being (PWB) in older Lithuanian city dwellers during ten years of follow-up, and to establish factors associated with it. Method: 7,115 men and women of age 45-72 years participated in the initial survey in 2006-2008. In 2016 the follow-up survey was performed among all 6,210 participants who survived. 4,266 individuals responded to postal questionnaires. PWB was evaluated by using CASP-12 questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by CES-D-10 scale. Quality of life, self-rated health, and social activity were evaluated.Socio-demographic, socio-economic factors were included into standard questionnaire. Results: PWB deteriorated in all age groups during 10-years follow-up. Poor quality of life, poor self-rated health, having depressive symptoms, and not being member of social organization are associated with lower PWB after 10 years in men and women. Employed-retired, retired, and not socially active women have higher possibility to have lower PWB over 10 years. Conclusions: PWB in older Lithuanian city dwellers deteriorates as many other socio-economic and psychosocial indicators during ten-year follow-up. Mostly psychosocial factors, but not the socio-demographic, and socio-economic ones predict PWB over 10 years. It is crucial to understand and promote predictors of PWB in older age. Antecedentes/Objetivo: Evaluar los cambios en el bienestar psicológico (BP) de los habitantes de las ciudades lituanas más antiguas en un seguimiento de diez años e identificar factores asociados. Método: Inicialmente participaron 7.115 hombres y mujeres de 45-72 años de edad durante los años 2006-2008. En 2016, la encuesta de seguimiento se realizó entre 6.210 participantes. De ellos, 4.266 personas respondieron a los cuestionarios. El BP fue evaluado mediante el cuestionario CASP-12. Los síntomas depresivos mediante la escala CES-D-10. Se evaluó la calidad de vida, la salud y la actividad social. Resultados: El BP se deterioró en todos los grupos de edad a los 10 años de seguimiento. Mala calidad de vida, mala autoevaluación de la salud, síntomas depresivos y la no pertenencia a una organización social se asocian con BP más bajo. Mujeres jubiladas y socialmente inactivas tienen mayor probabilidad de peor BP. Conclusiones: El BP de los habitantes de las ciudades lituanas más antiguas se deteriora, al igual que otros muchos indicadores socioeconómicos y psicosociales a los di