Abstract
Background: Ageing is multidimensional (biological, psychological, and social). Each dimension affects the other two and predicts the elderly response to the ageing process.
Aim: to evaluate the self-perception of community dwelling elderly towards aging and determine how can chronic diseases affect the perception of ageing process.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using two questionnaires: Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and Lawton's Philadelphia Geriatric Center (PGCMS) Morale Scale.
Results: The study population consisted of Four Hundred of community dwelling elderly. Participants were predominantly married (67.1%), not working (74.3%), and males (61%), with a mean age of 65.9 years +/-5.1. half of the participants (54%) were satisfied with their lives. Males had a higher morale than females. Young age and married group had a higher mean morale score and mean total life satisfaction. Participants who described their health status (fair to very good) had a higher morale and life satisfaction. Participants who had higher than 2 chronic diseases have a lower morale and life satisfaction. Morale and life satisfaction scores were not affected by the type of comorbid condition.
Conclusions: the comorbidities accumulation rather than type of comorbid disease affects self-perception of ageing.