Inflammation and thoracic aortic structure assessed by PET/CT scan and arterial stiffness in elderly patients

Introduction.– Many physical, psychological and social factors have an impact on the well-being of elderly. We studied the psychological well-being and alcohol use of Finnish elderly people living over 2months/year in Spain compared to those living in capital area of Finland, city of Espoo. Methods.– A structured questionnairewas delivered to elderly people over 65years in Espoo 2007 and in Costa del Sol area, Spain, 2011. Random sample included 2100 persons in Espoo and 500 persons in Spain, of which the response rate was 71,6% and 62,8%, respectively. We had 1395 answered questionnaires from Espoo and314 fromSpain after purifying thedata. Questionnaire included demographics and physical, psychological and social issues and alcohol use. We studied the psychological well-being by PSYCHSCORE, including loneliness, depression, zest for life, plans for the future, feeling of being needed and life satisfaction. Results.– Mean age was 72.6 years in Espoo and 70.9 years in Spain. Elderly living in Spain had higher education, better incomes, lived more oftenwith a partner and had better health (all P<0.001) compared to people living in Espoo. Elderly in Spain used more alcohol than those inEspoo (P<0.001), experiencedmore falls (P=0.09) and fractures (P=0.03), but had better psychological well-being (85,7% vs 60.3%, P<0.001). Conclusions.– Psychological well-being among elderly in our sample is linked to higher education, better incomes, better health and living with a partner. Elderly living in Spain used more alcohol and had better psychological well-being compared to elderly in Espoo.