Multidimensional predictors of fatigue among octogenarians and centenarians.

Background: Fatigue is a common and frequently observed complaint among older adults. However, knowledge about the nature and correlates of fatigue in old age is very limited.
Objective: This study examined the relationship of functional indicators, psychological and situational factors and fatigue for 210 octogenarians and centenarians from the Georgia Centenarian Study.
Methods: Three indicators of functional capacity (self-rated health, instrumental activities of daily living, physical activities of daily living), two indicators of psychological well-being (positive and negative affect), two indicators of situational factors (social network and social support), and a multidimensional fatigue scale were used. Blocked multiple regression analyses were computed to examine significant factors related to fatigue. In addition, multi-group analysis in structural equation modeling was used to investigate residential differences (i.e., long-term care facilities vs. private homes) in the relationship between significant factors and fatigue.
Results: Blocked multiple regression analyses indicated that two indicators of functional capacity, self-rated health and instrumental activities of daily living, both positive and negative affect, and social support were significant predictors of fatigue among oldest-old adults. The multiple group analysis in structural equation modeling revealed a significant difference among oldest-old adults based on residential status.
Conclusion: The results suggest that we should not consider fatigue as merely an unpleasant physical symptom, but rather adopt a perspective that different factors such as psychosocial aspects can influence fatigue in advanced later life.
(Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.)