Contemporary Chinese centenarians: Health profiles, social support and relationships in Suixi County

Methylome analysis in long-lived men deciphers DNA methylation modifications associated with male longevity in humans

Men, despite having a lower likelihood of longevity compared to women, generally exhibit better health status when they achieve longevity. The role of DNA methylation in this paradox remains unclear. We performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing on long-lived men (LLMs), long-lived women (LLWs), younger men (YMs) and younger women (YWs) to explore specific methylation characteristics in LLMs. Despite an accelerated methylation aging rate in LLMs compared to LLWs, we identify thousands of differentially methylated genomic units (DMUs) in LLMs independent of age and sex. These DMUs, validated by an elastic net classifier, can serve as methylation markers for discriminating longevity potential in men. Many are located near health-related genes. Genes like PIWIL1 and EXT1, with promoters featuring DMUs, exemplify the potential role of LLM-specific methylation patterns in suppressing age-related diseases by regulating gene transcription. Our findings provide evidence of a distinct methylation feature contributing to healthy aging and longevity of LLMs.

A qualitative exploration of the lives lived by Irish centenarians

Centenarians are of particular importance to aging research as they represent the living architype of exceptional longevity and as such studying their attributes is expected to contribute to one's understanding of survivorship. While much centenarian research to date recognizes the biological and genetic determinants in achieving advanced age, there is a lack of understanding regarding the influence of social factors and their role in aging. As centenarian populations continue to grow at an unprecedented rate, the heterogeneity among centenarian cohorts together with current aging trends highlights the intrinsic need to better understand centenarian aging from a biopsychosocial perspective. A key challenge for research concerning centenarians is understanding their personal experiences of reaching this momentous age as such information could help to identify the sociodemographic and psychosocial factors that enable people to live such extraordinarily long lives. To address this, this study focused on the lived experience of Irish centenarians and explored their understanding of their aging in a rapidly modernized sociocultural Ireland. Documenting the psychosocial profiles of centenarians will assist key stakeholders including researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the development of policies and strategies to support the growing population of older adults in Ireland. Furthermore, this research will also map Irish centenarians who have not previously been explored onto the international nexus of centenarian research.

A systematic review of the associations, mediators and moderators of life satisfaction, positive affect and happiness in near-centenarians and centenarians

OBJECTIVE

Results from studies investigating life satisfaction, positive affect and happiness of near-centenarians (95+) and centenarians are inconsistent. This is the first systematic review to summarise the extant literature on the subjective well-being of this unique age group.

METHOD

Seven electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and the Cochrane database for systematic reviews) were systematically searched. Subjective well-being was defined as life satisfaction, positive affect and happiness. A narrative synthesis of relevant articles was undertaken.

RESULTS

Of 28 studies eligible for inclusion in this review, 20 predominantly examined life satisfaction, 11 positive affect and 4 happiness. Sex and other demographic variables were not significant predictors of subjective well-being. In contrast, greater perceived health was significantly associated with higher levels of life satisfaction and positive affect. Fatigue and visual impairment were significantly correlated with lower levels of life satisfaction and positive affect. However, there was considerable heterogeneity in the findings on physical, cognitive and social associations, mediators and moderators.

CONCLUSION

The large discrepancy of results in the literature may be explained by methodological differences between studies. Centenarian research needs a clearer definition of life satisfaction, positive affect and happiness as their operationalisation is inconsistent. An international consortium of centenarian studies could facilitate cross-cultural comparisons on subjective well-being. Future research should be directed towards interventions that promote subjective well-being in the oldest-old.