Physical and mental health in the oldest-old: a mixed-methods study on a southern Italy sample

Background: The world’s aging population has been constantly increasing in the last decades, causing the number oldest-old individuals to increase. Aims: The present study aims to explore the different variables that contribute to the oldest-old wellbeing using a mixed-methods approach, including self-reports, standardized measures, and semi-structured interviews. Methods: Thirty-nine oldest-old (90–103) from southern Italy were involved in the study, together with a control sample of younger individuals (51–71) from the same families. Results: Data suggest that the oldest-old have better mental health, higher resilience, and more optimism than younger individuals. High resilience seems to be the key variable that promotes the overall wellbeing. Discussion: The oldest-old tend to have better mental health, higher resilience and more optimism than younger individuals. Conclusions: Wellbeing in the oldest-old appeared to be promoted by the sense of belonging and life purpose.