Aims: To explore self-perceived physical and psychological health among elderly Norwegian polio survivors. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to the Norwegian Society of Polio Survivors (LFPS) and others registered with polio in the South-Eastern Norway the last five years (n=1968). A total of 1408 persons responded (72 %). Participants below age 65 years were excluded, leaving 1155 subjects, with a mean age of 72.5 years. The questionnaire covered data from the onset of polio and current demographic, physical, health-related, psychological and social variables. Lisat 11, Fatigue Severity Scale, Visual Analog Pain Scale and the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) were also included.

Results: Concomitant diseases, use of wheelchair, pain and fatigue and a negative perception of the future were associated with unsatisfactory physical health, while feeling psychologically harmed by early treatment and the RSA Factor Perception of self predicted psychological health. Polio survivors demonstrated a capacity for resilience, as they largely reported RSA-scores comparable with young healthy controls.

Conclusion: Polio survivors represent a pioneer generation of disabled, who have experienced multiple adversities, longstanding disabilities and physical decline. They still need professionals with expertise on aging with polio and an understanding for the challenges they have experienced.

Keywords: Physical health, Polio, Post-polio syndrome, Psychological health, Resilience