Abstract
Serum lipid concentration and feeling of well-being were studied in 41 men and 116 women, aged 65 years and over who were living at home. The Morale Scale was used to evaluate the feeling of well-being. Scores on the Morale Scale did not differ by sexes or by age group. High scores on the Morale Scale were associated with low levels of total choleterol and of low-density lipoprotein, and with high levels of the ratio of high-density to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. After adjustments for sex and for body mass index, scores on the Morale Scale were significantly and positively related to the ratio of high-density to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; they were also significantly and negatively related to total cholesterol and to low-density lipoprotein. These results show a relationship between indicators of atherosclerosis and the feeling of well-being, and they imply that mental health care should be incorporated in community health activity.
