Subjective well-being in old age: Analysis using brief time series

Abstract

This research shows the usefulness of systematic collection of information in aging people and includes a statistical analysis procedure forits interpretation. Four cases of institutionalized elderly people are presented and the scores obtained on subjective well-being for a period of a year to a year and a half are analysed. Time- series analysis shows a significant downward trend of subjective well-being in two of the four cases, and a similar trend in the satisfaction component of three of them. These trends may only seem subtle when identified during routine clinical checkups, but are clear when analysed with the appropriate statistical tools. The influence of several stressful events on the data is also analysed. As a conclusion, it can be said that a continuous register of subjective well-being and its components can disclose valuable information about situations and progress in the emotional development of elderly people and can successfully complement clinical exploration.