Perceived motor ability and selection, optimization, and compensation: effects of age and institutionalization

Abstract

The authors examined the mediation effect of the perceived motor ability (PMA) on the direct "effects" of age (third vs. fourth age) and residential status (institutionalized vs. communitarians) on selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) strategies. With a non-probabilistic sample of 107 elders (Mdn = 80 years) from urban areas, and controlled for cognitive impairment and depression, the authors analysed the structural component of the path model with latent constructs that represents those relationships. This was made only after the structural validity of the constructs had been assured. Constructs were operationalized through the PMA questionnaire and a 16-item version of the SOC questionnaire. Only age had direct effects on the constructs: lower PMA and lower SOC of the elders in the fourth age. Authors also verified that the PMA mediation effect was partial.

Correlação entre a percepção subjetiva de competência e o desempenho na tarefa de levantar-se do solo de sujeitos idosos saudáveis

“…Sujeitos com idade superior a 60 anos avaliam sua saúde subjetiva de maneira menos precisa quando comparados aos jovens adultos, isso ocorre em decorrência de limitações funcionais e motoras (PIMENTEL; DINIZ, 2012). Nessa perspectiva, a autopercepção de competência desempenha um papel crucial para desvendar os fatores de motivação intrínseca (autonomia, competência, autodeterminação) que influenciam na execução de uma determinada atividade (WANG; LIU; BIAN, 2013).…”

Procedures for successful data collection through psychological tests in the elderly

“…Among these we can mention, as examples of the width of the research conducted: A doctoral dissertation on successful aging (Amado, 2008); a book chapter concerning the adaptation of the Life Satisfaction Index (Diniz, Amado, & Gouveia, 2011); a paper contrasting institutionalized and community elders (Pimentel & Diniz, 2012); and, conference proceedings on religious faith (Amado & Diniz, 2008) and on sexual attitudes (Margalha, Diniz, & Vaz, 2008). Our research has involved the sampling and assessment of thousands of seniors from all socio-economic strata, residing both in rural and urban areas.…”