The effects of the Columbia shuttle disaster on the daily lives of older adults: Findings from the VA Normative Aging Study

During 2002-2003 the VA Normative Aging Study conducted an eight-day diary survey of stressors and well-being. A sub-sample of 19 men and 13 women (mean age = 71.78) completed daily questionnaires before and after the Columbia shuttle exploded on 1st February 2003, presenting a unique look into peop...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Aging & mental health 2006-05, Vol.10 (3), p.272-281
Main Authors: Neupert, S. D., Almeida, D. M., Mroczek, D. K., Spiro III, A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activities of Daily Living - psychology
Adaptation, Psychological - physiology
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aging - psychology
Disasters - statistics & numerical data
Female
Geriatric Assessment - methods
Humans
Life Change Events
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales - statistics & numerical data
Space Flight - methods
Stress, Psychological - psychology
Surveys and Questionnaires
Veterans - psychology
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Summary:During 2002-2003 the VA Normative Aging Study conducted an eight-day diary survey of stressors and well-being. A sub-sample of 19 men and 13 women (mean age = 71.78) completed daily questionnaires before and after the Columbia shuttle exploded on 1st February 2003, presenting a unique look into peoples' daily lives before and after a tragic event. Results indicated no significant changes in negative affect or physical symptoms, but people reported significant decreases in both positive affect and memory failures on days following the shuttle explosion. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
ISSN:1360-7863
1364-6915
DOI:10.1080/13607860500409682