Quality of life in MS: Does aging enhance perceptions of mental health?

Abstract

Results suggest that perhaps the process of getting older, or factors related to being older, enhance perceptions of mental health in individuals with MS. Results are discussed within the context of social comparison theory, which might be an adaptive strategy that could underlie response shift in older individuals with MS.

Predictors of quality of life in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A 2-year longitudinal study

“…Other studies have also reported contrasting results with regard to the influence of age [30]. Being in a couple and having a higher educational level seem be protective for the deterioration of QoL over time; this has previously been reported in cross-sectional studies [5,14].…”

Age differences in the association of obstructive sleep apnea risk with cognition and quality of life

“…Rather, quality of life is evaluated relative to expectations, and expectations for mental and physical function may decline with advancing age (Dempster & Donnelly, 2002). Social comparison theory suggests that older adults use a “downward” comparison strategy, whereby they compare themselves with individuals in worse health, consequently perceiving their own situations more positively (Beaumont & Kenealy, 2004; DiLorenzo et al, 2009). …”

Fatigue, Sleep Quality, and Disability in Relation to Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis

“…Similarly, in a study by Krokavcova et al, 48 increasing age was a significant predictor of worse perceived physical health status. Conversely, DiLorenzo et al 49 concluded that the process of getting older enhances perceived mental health in MS. However, this positive association was observed in the group of individuals 65 years and older (compared with those aged 50-64 years), and this age group was not well represented in the present study.…”