Life satisfaction and positive aspects of caregiving among centenarians proxies: the more dependent the better?

Taking care of a centenarian is becoming a more common situation due to the longevity phenomenon. Nevertheless, there is lack of information on the specific dynamics related to the demands and potentialities of this specific caregiving experience. This study aims to analyze caregivers well-being and positive aspects related to the caregiving experience. Data came from the PT100 Centenarian Study and consid- ers information gathered through face-to-face interviews with centenarians and their proxies. The sample comprises 53 dyads (centenarians: Mage 100.9, SD 1.2, 84.9% female; informal caregivers: Mage 66.0, SD 8.8, 92.5% female). Instruments included the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and selected items from the Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC). Results demon- strated that 71.7% (n=38) of the caregivers were satisfied with their life. Life satisfaction was higher when the cen- tenarian presented higher cognitive constrains (GDS=5-7; p ≤0.05). Additionally, 63.6% (n=7) of the dissatisfied car- egivers were taking care of a centenarian without cogni- tive deficits (GDS=1-2). Caregivers life satisfaction was also associated with positive aspects of the caregiving experience: of those satisfied with their life, 81.8% (n=27) reported to appreciate life more due the caregiving experience (p ≤ 0.05). Higher dependence of the centenarian may be related with a higher sense of providing care and this should be further explored. Positive aspects of caregiving are of particular rel- evance and should be addressed within oldest-old family care interventions.