ASSESSING OLDER ADULT WELLNESS: A RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY TEST OF THE LIFESTYLE SURVEY. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Strout, K; Crittenden, J; Howard, E; O'Brien, L
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 305
• Page End: 306
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.1121
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to examine the psychometric properties of the Lifestyle Survey (LS), a wellness instrument designed for community dwelling older adults. The LS contains 109 items measuring wellness in six domains: physical fitness, recreation, nutrition, social relationships, emotionality, and spirituality. A two-part study was conducted using a sample of community dwelling adults 65 and older. Reliability was assessed using a timed series administration of the LS with a two-week interval between survey administrations. Forty-four individuals returned both pre and post surveys. Participants ranged in age from 66 to 91 years (M=75 years), were largely low income (62% earning under $14, 999), and female (84%). Based on kappa agreement statistics, LS items demonstrated reliability over time with 63% of the items maintaining a moderate or near perfect agreement and 22% maintaining fair to poor agreement over two weeks. A follow-up focus group (N=9) was conducted to assess LS face validity using a group debrief format exploring clarity of item wording, evaluating question response options, assessing older adult views of wellness concepts, and identifying areas for improving the instrument overall. Results indicate overall face validity of LS items with additional suggestions for improving validity including clarifying certain wellness terms (i.e. homeopathy, reiki, aromatherapy), parceling larger questions into smaller components (such as fluid intake types), and further clarifying terms that leave leeway for interpretation such as "healthy diet." Formatting feedback included using words over numbers for rating scales and use of "don't know" response options.