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Scandinavian Journal of Public Health
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Quantitative Assessment of Life Span of the Aged Persons — A Preliminary Study

Matti Isohanni

Matti Isohanni, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland, Address for offprints: Matti Isohanni Dept of Psychiatry University of Oulu SF-90220 Oulu Finland

Ilkka Winblad

Ilkka Winblad, Department of Public Health Science, University of Oulu, Finland

Pentti Nieminen

Pentti Nieminen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland

The life span is a concept with increasing interest in gerontology, but how to visualize it? We developed the life span assessment scale, where the participants scored their concepts on their different life periods, using a visual analogue scale. A smoothed curve line was fitted through the means of each period. The final results of this procedure resembled an arch or span, like the original metaphor. This scale was tested by two groups of aged persons. Thirty-three noninstitutionalized, active middle-class pensioners (mean age 68 years) assessed their own life curve as resembling a shallow rainbow, the age periods between 30-50 years being most highly valued. A distinct fall did not start until after 70 years. Another life curves were gathered from 50 institutionalized elderly persons, mean age 79 years. Their life curve reached its peak value between 14-20 years, and the fall started after this. The results are preliminary and further validation of the developed method is needed.

Key Words: life span • life curve • ageing • visual analoque scale

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, Vol. 23, No. 2, 137-140 (1995)
DOI: 10.1177/140349489502300209
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