[Wellbeing of Chilean older adults is associated with group participation]. / Factores sociodemográficos y de participación social relacionados con el bienestar psicológico en adultos mayores en la región de Magallanes, Chile.

BACKGROUND: Subjective aspects such as personal growth and the development of their potential are relevant for the perception of wellbeing of older adults. These dimensions appear to be connected with meaningful group participation. AIM: To assess the perception of psychological wellbeing of older adults in a Chilean region and determine its association with socio-demographic variables and participation in organizations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ryff's scale of psychological wellbeing perception was applied to 101 adults (43 men) from Magallanes, aged 60 and 88 years. Sociodemographic data was also collected. RESULTS: Mean wellbeing scores reported were 193.7 ± 20 (maximum score: 234). Those older adults who participated in organizations had higher scores than those who did not take part in them. Participation in organizations appeared to be specifically associated to positive relationships (p = 0.03) and personal growth (p < 0.01). The number of organizations in which older adults participated was positively correlated with the perception of wellbeing (p < 0.01). Greater personal wellbeing was associated with leadership roles in organizations (p = 0.01). Significant differences between level of schooling and personal growth (p = 0.01) were also observed found. There were no differences associated with sex, age and marital status. CONCLUSIONS: The perception of wellbeing of older adults is influenced by their participation in organizations. Leadership is associated with the highest levels of wellbeing.

Factores sociodemográficos y de participación social relacionados con el bienestar psicológico en adultos mayores en la región de Magallanes, Chile / Wellbeing of Chilean older adults is associated with group participation

Background: Subjective aspects such as personal growth and the development of their potential are relevant for the perception of wellbeing of older adults. These dimensions appear to be connected with meaningful group participation. Aim: To assess the perception of psychological wellbeing of older adults in a Chilean region and determine its association with socio-demographic variables and participation in organizations. Material and Methods: Ryff’s scale of psychological wellbeing perception was applied to 101 adults (43 men) from Magallanes, aged 60 and 88 years. Sociodemographic data was also collected. Results: Mean wellbeing scores reported were 193.7 ± 20 (maximum score: 234). Those older adults who participated in organizations had higher scores than those who did not take part in them. Participation in organizations appeared to be specifically associated to positive relationships (p = 0.03) and personal growth (p < 0.01). The number of organizations in which older adults participated was positively correlated with the perception of wellbeing (p < 0.01). Greater personal wellbeing was associated with leadership roles in organizations (p = 0.01). Significant differences between level of schooling and personal growth (p = 0.01) were also observed found. There were no differences associated with sex, age and marital status. Conclusions: The perception of wellbeing of older adults is influenced by their participation in organizations. Leadership is associated with the highest levels of wellbeing.

Funciones y situación actual de la intervención de los psicólogos en cuidados paliativos / No disponible

Los psicólogos tienen un papel crucial en los procesos de fin de vida. Dentro de éstos, los cuidados paliativos son una de las áreas con más desarrollo en los últimos años, proponiendo un cuidado holístico e integral. Sin embargo, las funciones y roles de los psicólogos no están del todo claros. Por ello, se ha realizado una revisión teórica, buscando los estudios que ponen de relevancia su papel, funciones, así como la formación específica que deberían tener los psicólogos que trabajen en esta área. La mayoría subrayan la triple intervención con el paciente, la familia y el equipo sanitario. Funciones de evaluación e intervención psicológica, así como de prevención del burnout y del duelo aparecen como destacadas. La formación no está reglada aunque se está intentando buscar un currículum común

Psychologists have a crucial role in end-of-life processes. Within them, palliative care is one of the most developed areas and it is based on an holistic approach. However, the role of psychologists in this area is not clear. In order to clarify their function, a theoretical review has been carried out. The objective was to identify and integrate into a narrative the roles and functions of psychologist working in palliative care, as well as topics related to specific formation. Most of the articles reviewed outlined an intervention based on three axis: the patient, the family and the health care team. Functions such as psychological assessment, prevention of burnout and intervention on bereaved people appears as central. Specialized training and formation is not regulated, although recent proposals are trying to elaborate a common curriculum