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Najafi P, Mohammadi M. Redefining Age-Friendly Neighbourhoods: Translating the Promises of Blue Zones for Contemporary Urban Environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:365. [PMID: 38541364 PMCID: PMC10970552 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21030365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The longevity and healthy ageing observed in Blue Zones offer valuable insights for contemporary urban neighbourhood planning and design. This paper reviews the age-friendly features of the built environment in Blue Zones, aiming to translate these insights into actionable strategies for urban neighbourhood development. Employing a systematic literature review and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) analysis of Google Street View imagery, this study assesses the built environments in Blue Zones, including housing, public spaces, and transportation systems. Key findings highlight the presence of adaptable housing, building designs that foster a connection with nature, and semi-public spaces that encourage social interaction and physical activity. A notable emphasis on walkability and limited public transport access was observed. The CNN analysis corroborated these findings, providing a quantitative view of age-friendly features. This research contributes to the academic discourse in urban planning and design by providing practical insights for developing age-friendly neighbourhoods, inspired by Blue Zones. It concludes by offering policy advice and future research directions for creating sustainable and inclusive urban environments conducive to ageing populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Najafi
- Chair Smart Architectural Technologies, The Built Environment Department, Eindhoven University of Technology, Vrt 7.29, Groene Loper 3, P.O. Box 513, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
- Chair Architecture in Health, The Built Environment Department, Han University of Applied Sciences, Postbus 5375, 6802 EJ Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Masi Mohammadi
- Chair Smart Architectural Technologies, The Built Environment Department, Eindhoven University of Technology, Vrt 7.29, Groene Loper 3, P.O. Box 513, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
- Chair Architecture in Health, The Built Environment Department, Han University of Applied Sciences, Postbus 5375, 6802 EJ Arnhem, The Netherlands
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Lemaître J, Rey B, Gaillard J, Régis C, Gilot‐Fromont E, Débias F, Duhayer J, Pardonnet S, Pellerin M, Haghani A, Zoller JA, Li CZ, Horvath S. DNA methylation as a tool to explore ageing in wild roe deer populations. Mol Ecol Resour 2022; 22:1002-1015. [PMID: 34665921 PMCID: PMC9297961 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation-based biomarkers of ageing (epigenetic clocks) promise to lead to new insights into evolutionary biology of ageing. Relatively little is known about how the natural environment affects epigenetic ageing effects in wild species. In this study, we took advantage of a unique long-term (>40 years) longitudinal monitoring of individual roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) living in two wild populations (Chizé and Trois-Fontaines, France) facing different ecological contexts, to investigate the relationship between chronological age and levels of DNA methylation (DNAm). We generated novel DNA methylation data from n = 94 blood samples, from which we extracted leucocyte DNA, using a custom methylation array (HorvathMammalMethylChip40). We present three DNA methylation-based estimators of age (DNAm or epigenetic age), which were trained in males, females, and both sexes combined. We investigated how sex differences influenced the relationship between DNAm age and chronological age using sex-specific epigenetic clocks. Our results highlight that old females may display a lower degree of biological ageing than males. Further, we identify the main sites of epigenetic alteration that have distinct ageing patterns between the two sexes. These findings open the door to promising avenues of research at the crossroads of evolutionary biology and biogerontology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean‐François Lemaître
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie EvolutiveUMR5558Université de LyonUniversité Lyon 1CNRSVilleurbanneFrance
| | - Benjamin Rey
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie EvolutiveUMR5558Université de LyonUniversité Lyon 1CNRSVilleurbanneFrance
| | - Jean‐Michel Gaillard
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie EvolutiveUMR5558Université de LyonUniversité Lyon 1CNRSVilleurbanneFrance
| | - Corinne Régis
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie EvolutiveUMR5558Université de LyonUniversité Lyon 1CNRSVilleurbanneFrance
| | - Emmanuelle Gilot‐Fromont
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie EvolutiveUMR5558Université de LyonUniversité Lyon 1CNRSVilleurbanneFrance
- Université de LyonVetAgro SupMarcy‐l'EtoileFrance
| | - François Débias
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie EvolutiveUMR5558Université de LyonUniversité Lyon 1CNRSVilleurbanneFrance
| | - Jeanne Duhayer
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie EvolutiveUMR5558Université de LyonUniversité Lyon 1CNRSVilleurbanneFrance
| | - Sylvia Pardonnet
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie EvolutiveUMR5558Université de LyonUniversité Lyon 1CNRSVilleurbanneFrance
| | - Maryline Pellerin
- Direction de la Recherche et de l'Appui ScientifiqueOffice Français de la BiodiversitéUnité Ongulés SauvagesGapFrance
| | - Amin Haghani
- Human GeneticsDavid Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos Angeles CaliforniaUSA
| | - Joseph A. Zoller
- Department of BiostatisticsFielding School of Public HealthUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Caesar Z. Li
- Department of BiostatisticsFielding School of Public HealthUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Steve Horvath
- Human GeneticsDavid Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos Angeles CaliforniaUSA
- Department of BiostatisticsFielding School of Public HealthUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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Miao L, Yang S, Yi Y, Tian P, He L. Research on the prediction of longevity from both individual and family perspectives. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263992. [PMID: 35180255 PMCID: PMC8856538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing human longevity is of global interest. The present study explored the prediction of longevity from both individual perspective and family perspective based on demographic and psychosocial factors. A total of 186 longevous family members and 237 ordinary elderly family members participated in a cross-sectional study, and a sample of 62 longevous elderly and 57 ordinary elderly were selected for comparative research. The results showed that it was three times more female than male in longevous elderly group. Up to 71.2% of longevous elderly had no experience in education, which was significantly lower than that of ordinary elderly. Due to such extreme age, more widowed (81.4%) elderly than those in married (18.6%). Less than one-seventh of the longevous elderly maintained the habit of smoking, and about one-third of them liked drinking, both were significantly lower than that of ordinary elderly. In terms of psychosocial factors, longevous elderly showed lower neuroticism and social support, while higher extraversion, compared with the ordinary elderly. However, there were no significant differences between the two family groups in demographic and psychosocial variables, except longevous families showing lower scores in neuroticism. Regression analysis found that neuroticism, social support and smoking habit had significant impact on individuals’ life span, then, neuroticism and psychoticism were the key factor to predict families’ longevity. We conclude that good emotional management, benign interpersonal support, and moderation of habits are important factors for individual longevity, and the intergenerational influence of personality is closely related to family longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lvqing Miao
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Suyu Yang
- School of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuye Yi
- School of Education Science, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peipei Tian
- School of Education Science, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lichun He
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- * E-mail:
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Lu H, He H, Liu Q, Cai J, Mo C, Liu S, Chen S, Xu X, Tang X, Qin J, Zhang Z. Geographical distinctions of longevity indicators and their correlation with climatic factors in the area where most Chinese Yao are distributed. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2022; 66:97-110. [PMID: 34668027 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-021-02195-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Longevity research is a hot topic in the health field. Considerable research focuses on longevity phenomenon in Bama Yao Autonomous County, which has a typical karst landform and is located in Southwest China. This study aims to illustrate the spatial feature of longevity indicators in other Yao areas, to analyze the correlation between climatic factors and longevity indicators, and to provide new clues and targets for further longevity studies. We collect and integrate population, climate, and terrain data into a spatial database. The main analysis methods include spatial autocorrelation, high/low clustering, and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR). Two longevity clusters are identified in Guijiang River Basin (longevity index (LI%): 2.49 ± 0.63) and Liujiang River Basin (LI%: 2.13 ± 0.60). The spatial distribution of longevity indicators is autocorrelative (Moran's I = 0.652, p < 0.001) and clustered significantly (Z score = 4.268, p < 0.001). MGWR shows that the atmospheric pressure significantly affects the spatial distribution of LI% (estimate value (EV) = - 0.566, p = 0.012), centenarity index (CI%) (EV = - 0.425, p = 0.007), UC (EV = - 0.502, p = 0.006), and CH (EV = - 0.497, p = 0.007). Rainfall significantly affects the spatial distribution of LI% (EV = 0.300, p = 0.003) and CI% (EV = - 0.191, p = 0.016). The spatial distribution of the main longevity indicators shows significant heterogeneity and autocorrelation, and they cluster in the Guijiang River and Liujiang River basins. Atmospheric pressure and rainfall may contribute to the longevity phenomenon through complex mechanisms. The longevity phenomenon in the Yao nationality in Guijiang River Basin requires further study to improve our understanding of the health effect of meteorological, environmental, and social conditions on longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaxiang Lu
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Department of Guangxi Science and Technology Major Project, Guangxi Center of Diseases Prevention and Control, 18 Jinzhou Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Haoyu He
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, 10 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Qiumei Liu
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jiansheng Cai
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, 20 Lequn Road, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Chunbao Mo
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, 20 Lequn Road, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shuzhen Liu
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shiyi Chen
- School of Public Health, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, 179 Mingxiu Dong Rd., Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xia Xu
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xu Tang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jian Qin
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, 20 Lequn Road, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University, 10 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
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Shikimoto R, Arai Y, Yuasa S, Gondo Y, Yasumoto S, Abe Y, Hirose N. Clinical course of the longest-lived man in the world: A case report. Exp Gerontol 2021; 159:111679. [PMID: 34973348 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Supercentenarians, people who have reached 110 years of age, represent an ultimate model of human longevity. We have conducted research from both biomedical and psychosocial perspectives to clarify the factors that contribute to healthy longevity. The current study described the clinical course of the oldest lived man in the world. METHODS Kimura Jiroemon, who is the verified oldest man in recorded history, lived for more than 116 years. We conducted a longitudinal investigation including physical and psychological assessments, blood data, and electrocardiogram (ECG) from the age of 111 and obtained medical data such as computed tomography (CT) images during the course of hospitalizations in the last year of his life. RESULTS At the age of 111, Jiroemon was almost independent regarding activities of daily living. Additionally, his Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale score was 15/17, indicating high psychological well-being. His biological data included first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block on ECG; mild decreases of hemoglobin (11.6 g/dL), hematocrit (36.2%), and albumin levels (3.5 g/dL); and elevated serum cystatin C levels (1.32 mg/L), indicating potential dysfunction of the renal and electrical conduction systems. He then lived without fatal illness until the age of 115 years. At this age, he lost consciousness, and his ECG revealed complete AV block. At the first hospitalization for intensive examination, his doctor recommended implanting a cardiac pacemaker, but he and his family declined. On December 12, 2012, his condition rapidly worsened, and he was hospitalized twice for heart failure because of AV block. On May 11, 2013, he lost consciousness after breakfast, and he was hospitalized for the fourth time. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and heart failure based on his chest CT findings and elevated brain natriuretic peptide levels (160 pg/mL), and died on June 12, 2013 at the age of 116. CONCLUSIONS Despite having no cardiovascular risk factors throughout his life, Jiroemon developed heart failure from potential heart and kidney dysfunction, suggesting that aging of the cardiorenal system was the ultimate pathology of the oldest man in the world. His clinical course represents a model of both suppression of morbidity and extreme longevity. Comprehensive health and longevity research studies from physical and psychological aspects are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Shikimoto
- Center for Supercentenarian Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yasumichi Arai
- Center for Supercentenarian Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan; Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care, Keio Univeristy, Japan.
| | - Shinsuke Yuasa
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Gondo
- Osaka University, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Japan
| | - Saori Yasumoto
- Osaka University, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Japan
| | - Yukiko Abe
- Center for Supercentenarian Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Hirose
- Center for Supercentenarian Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan; Utsunomiya Hospital, Japan
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An Analysis of Macro-level Determinants of Geographic Disparities in Health Expectancies. INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK OF HEALTH EXPECTANCIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-37668-0_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Understanding the Association between Environmental Factors and Longevity in Hechi, China: A Drinking Water and Soil Quality Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102272. [PMID: 30332839 PMCID: PMC6210010 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aging population is a big challenge all over the world. However, there are few studies to date investigating the effects of trace element and mineral levels in drinking water and soil (especially in karst areas) on longevity. This study aims to examine temporal and spatial variations in longevity in Hechi (which is recognized as a longevity city) and to investigate relationships between longevity and trace element and mineral levels in drinking water and soils in this city (the karst landscape). Population data were collected from relevant literature and four national population censuses in 1982, 1990, 2000 and 2010. Drinking water and soil samples from Hechi were collected and analyzed. The results demonstrated an obvious clustered distribution for the longevity population in Hechi that has existed stably for decades. The longevity index tended to be significantly positively correlated with H2SiO3, Ca and Fe in drinking water and significantly negatively correlated with Sr in soil, indicating that drinking water characteristics contributed significantly to the observed regional longevity. The karst landscape is responsible for abundant trace elements in underground rivers in Hechi, which are beneficial to human health when consumed as drinking water. Good quality and slightly alkaline drinking water rich in trace elements such as H2SiO3, Ca, Fe, Na, Mg and low in heavy metals such as Pb and Cd might be an important factor contributing to the longevity phenomenon in Hechi.
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Huang Y, Rosenberg M, Wang Y. Is extreme climate or moderate climate more conducive to longevity in China? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2018; 62:971-977. [PMID: 29455295 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-018-1499-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Climate is closely related to human longevity. In China, there are many climate types. According to national population censuses from 1982 to 2000, most provinces with a high ratio of centenarians are located in western and northwestern China far from the sea; these areas are characterized by a dry, cold climate, very high altitude, very high daily temperature range, strong winds, and partial hypoxia. Meanwhile, provinces with a high ratio of nonagenarians from 1982 to 2000 are located in southern China near the sea. Previous studies have attributed the high ratio of centenarians in western and northwestern China to the extreme local climate. However, centenarians in these areas decreased greatly in 2010, whereas residents in southern China frequently reached 90 to 100 years old in 2010. This study aims to explain this strange phenomenon and find whether extreme climate in Tibetan plateau and northwestern China or moderate climate in southern China is more conducive to longevity. The study found that mortality rate in Tibetan plateau is much higher than southern China, then a population evolution experiment was proposed to compare longevity indicators between low mortality rate and high mortality rate and shows that longevity indicators will decrease in the near future and increase above their original levels after several decades when the mortality rate is decreased. Results of this study show individuals in northwestern China do not live as long as those in eastern and southern China. A moderate climate is more conducive to longevity than extreme climate in China. The longevity of a region should be judged by long-term longevity indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Huang
- School of Geographic Science, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China.
- Department of Geography and Planning, Queen's University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Mark Rosenberg
- Department of Geography and Planning, Queen's University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Yingli Wang
- School of Geographic Science, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
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Minagawa Y, Saito Y. An analysis of factors related to disability-free life expectancy at 65 years of age across Japanese prefectures in 2010. Eur J Ageing 2018. [PMID: 29531511 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-017-0433-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared to the large volume of research focused on mortality differentials within Japan, relatively little is known about regional variations in health expectancy, particularly among older people. This article has two interrelated objectives. The first objective is to estimate prefecture-specific disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) at 65 years of age in 2010. DFLE at 65 by gender and prefecture was computed using the Sullivan method, which was applied to prefecture-specific life tables and prevalence of disability from Kokumin Seikatsu Kiso Chosa (Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions) of 2010. The second objective is to investigate macro-level factors associated with DFLE at 65 across 47 Japanese prefectures. Our results indicate regional disparities in DFLE at older ages. Importantly, we note close relationships between a prefecture's wealth, labor, and welfare characteristics and DFLE at 65. Income per capita, the proportion of workers older than 65, and welfare expenditures are positively related to DFLE, whereas unemployment and long-term care insurance expenditures per-capita are inversely associated with DFLE for both genders. The proportion of older adults relying on public assistance is negatively related only to women's DFLE. These results suggest that narrowing socioeconomic disparities may contribute to the health of Japanese elders. Reducing regional health disparities therefore requires policy makers to take into account the broader socioeconomic conditions of each prefecture.
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10
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Mitochondria, its DNA and telomeres in ageing and human population. Biogerontology 2018; 19:189-208. [DOI: 10.1007/s10522-018-9748-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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11
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Huang Y, Rosenberg M, Hou L, Hu M. Relationships among Environment, Climate, and Longevity in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14101195. [PMID: 28991186 PMCID: PMC5664696 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14101195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human longevity is influenced by environment and nutrition. We considered environmental and nutritional factors relating to longevity in Chinese cities. We found higher 85+/65+ distribution ratios, indicating enhanced longevity, in the coastal and southern regions of China. These areas also featured higher humidity, low standard deviation of monthly temperature, higher levels of selenium (Se) distribution in soil, and greater sea fish consumption. Moderate climate is more conducive to longevity, however, there is no significant difference in longevity between different sub-climatic types within moderate climate; the relation between humidity and longevity is not always positive, the relation between altitude and longevity is not always negative. Nutritional factors like Se and omega-3 fatty acids contained in sea fish were crucial to longevity. In contrast, the consumption of meat and freshwater fish were less related to longevity. Taken together, humidity, altitude, and per capita sea fish consumption, when evaluated via geographically weighted regression, explained 66% and 68% of longevity among Chinese individuals in 2000 and 2010, respectively. Other factors require further discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Huang
- School of Geographic Science, Nantong University, Nantong 226007, China.
- Department of Geography and Planning, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Mark Rosenberg
- Department of Geography and Planning, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Lingli Hou
- School of Geographic Science, Nantong University, Nantong 226007, China.
| | - Mengjin Hu
- School of Geographic Science, Nantong University, Nantong 226007, China.
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12
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Wang L, Li Y, Li H, Holdaway J, Hao Z, Wang W, Krafft T. Regional aging and longevity characteristics in China. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2016; 67:153-9. [PMID: 27544461 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The factors that influence the length of human life are complex and longevity remains a controversial topic, particularly in China. This paper demonstrates the spatial patterns and changes of the elderly group (65 years old and over), the oldest old (80 years old and over) and the centenarians in China in the last decade, analyzes the influence of economic development on aging, and in the end, using a case study, explores the characteristics of the centenarians' behavior. The results indicate that high elderly and the oldest old proportions are more common in regions with higher socio-economic development and that have a favorable climate. Centenarian distribution pattern is less influenced by economic but only for few regions. Lifestyle factors, such as sufficient sleep, positive mental state and a light diet are also largely found among the centenarian group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,100101, China; Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229ER, The Netherlands
| | - Yonghua Li
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,100101, China.
| | - Hairong Li
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,100101, China
| | - Jennifer Holdaway
- School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies, University of Oxford, OX2 6LH, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Zhe Hao
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,100101, China; Key Laboratory of Engineering Oceanography, Second Institute of Oceanography, SOA, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Wuyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,100101, China
| | - Thomas Krafft
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,100101, China; Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229ER, The Netherlands
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13
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Sugawara YM, Saito Y. Changes in disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) at birth between 2000 and 2010 across Japanese prefectures. Int J Public Health 2016; 61:739-49. [PMID: 27349481 DOI: 10.1007/s00038-016-0847-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The second phase of Healthy Japan 21 seeks to increase disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) more than life expectancy (LE) between 2013 and 2022. In the face of the rising incidence of disability, the feasibility of achieving this goal remains unclear. METHODS We examine changes in DFLE at birth between 2000 and 2010 across 47 prefectures, with particular attention given to changes in the absolute number of years and in the proportion of disability-free life years. RESULTS Although LE increased across all prefectures, there is a variation in DFLE. While the number of disability-free life years increased in many parts of the country, some prefectures had decreases in DFLE. Downturns become particularly evident when DFLE is interpreted in relative terms. The proportion of life spent without disability declined in the majority of prefectures. CONCLUSIONS Results from subnational level analyses suggest that the rate of increase in DFLE lagged behind that in LE across Japanese prefectures during the past decade. More policy attention should be devoted to health-promotion initiatives at the prefecture level to achieve the nationwide health agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasuhiko Saito
- University Research Center, Nihon University, 12-5 Gobancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Herr M, Arvieu JJ, Robine JM, Ankri J. Health, frailty and disability after ninety: Results of an observational study in France. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2016; 66:166-75. [PMID: 27341649 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In spite of their increasing demographic weight, health characteristics of the oldest old remain poorly described in epidemiological studies. OBJECTIVE To describe the health of people aged 70 years and over included in the SIPAF study, and to compare the prevalence of health indicators including successful aging, frailty, and disability between three age groups including the oldest old. METHODS The study population is composed of 2350 retired people recruited between 2008 and 2010, of whom 512 are aged 90 and over (21.8%). A comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed at home by trained nurses. The prevalence of health and functional indicators, as well as the distribution of people among successful ageing, frailty, and disability, were described by age group (70-79, 80-89, 90+) and sex. RESULTS Compared to their younger counterparts, people aged 90 years and over were more likely to experience functional limitations, sensory impairment, cognitive impairment, poor mood, and frailty. One third of the nonagenarians needed help in at least one basic activity of daily living and 25% met the frailty criteria. In contrast, the prevalence of most chronic diseases did not increase after ninety. Successful ageing concerned 9% of the oldest old. Women were less likely to experience successful ageing and more likely to be frail or dependent. CONCLUSION This study shows the diversity of health states in very old age and points out that one quarter of the people aged 90 and over said frail are likely to take advantage of preventive actions of disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Herr
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases, Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, F-94807, Villejuif, France; Univ Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMR-S 1168, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France; AP-HP, Hôpital Sainte Périne, Département de Santé Publique, Paris, France.
| | - J J Arvieu
- AG2R La Mondiale, Direction des Etudes, Prévoyance Individuelle et IARD, Paris, France
| | - J M Robine
- INSERM U988 et U1198, EPHE, Paris & Montpellier, France
| | - J Ankri
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases, Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, F-94807, Villejuif, France; Univ Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMR-S 1168, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France; AP-HP, Hôpital Sainte Périne, Département de Santé Publique, Paris, France
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15
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Brodaty H, Woolf C, Andersen S, Barzilai N, Brayne C, Cheung KSL, Corrada MM, Crawford JD, Daly C, Gondo Y, Hagberg B, Hirose N, Holstege H, Kawas C, Kaye J, Kochan NA, Lau BHP, Lucca U, Marcon G, Martin P, Poon LW, Richmond R, Robine JM, Skoog I, Slavin MJ, Szewieczek J, Tettamanti M, Viña J, Perls T, Sachdev PS. ICC-dementia (International Centenarian Consortium - dementia): an international consortium to determine the prevalence and incidence of dementia in centenarians across diverse ethnoracial and sociocultural groups. BMC Neurol 2016; 16:52. [PMID: 27098177 PMCID: PMC4839126 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-016-0569-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Considerable variability exists in international prevalence and incidence estimates of dementia. The accuracy of estimates of dementia in the oldest-old and the controversial question of whether dementia incidence and prevalence decline at very old age will be crucial for better understanding the dynamics between survival to extreme old age and the occurrence and risk for various types of dementia and comorbidities. International Centenarian Consortium – Dementia (ICC-Dementia) seeks to harmonise centenarian and near-centenarian studies internationally to describe the cognitive and functional profiles of exceptionally old individuals, and ascertain the trajectories of decline and thereby the age-standardised prevalence and incidence of dementia in this population. The primary goal of the ICC-Dementia is to establish a large and thorough heterogeneous sample that has the power to answer epidemiological questions that small, separate studies cannot. A secondary aim is to examine cohort-specific effects and differential survivorship into very old age. We hope to lay the foundation for further investigation into risk and protective factors for dementia and healthy exceptional brain ageing in centenarians across diverse ethnoracial and sociocultural groups. Methods Studies focusing on individuals aged ≥95 years (approximately the oldest 1 percentile for men, oldest 5th percentile for women), with a minimum sample of 80 individuals, including assessment of cognition and functional status, are invited to participate. There are currently seventeen member or potential member studies from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. Initial attempts at harmonising key variables are in progress. Discussion General challenges facing large, international consortia like ICC-Dementia include timely and effective communication among member studies, ethical and practical issues relating to human subject studies and data sharing, and the challenges related to data harmonisation. A specific challenge for ICC-Dementia relates to the concept and definition of’abnormal’ in this exceptional group of individuals who are rarely free of physical, sensory and/or cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Brodaty
- Dementia Collaborative Research Centre - Assessment and Better Care, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Claudia Woolf
- Dementia Collaborative Research Centre - Assessment and Better Care, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Psychogeriatric Mental Health and Dementia Service, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, Australia
| | - Stacy Andersen
- New England Centenarian Study, Geriatrics Section, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nir Barzilai
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA.,Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA
| | - Carol Brayne
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Karen Siu-Lan Cheung
- Sau Po Centre on Ageing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Maria M Corrada
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - John D Crawford
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Catriona Daly
- Dementia Collaborative Research Centre - Assessment and Better Care, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yasuyuki Gondo
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Clinical Thanatology and Geriatric Behavioral Science, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Bo Hagberg
- Gerontology Research Centre, Lund, Sweden
| | - Nobuyoshi Hirose
- Centre for Supercentenarian Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Henne Holstege
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Alzheimer Centre, Department of Neurology, VU University Medical Centre, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Kawas
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA.,Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Jeffrey Kaye
- Department of Neurology and Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, USA
| | - Nicole A Kochan
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Bobo Hi-Po Lau
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Ugo Lucca
- Laboratory of Geriatric Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Marcon
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.,AAS 1 Triestina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Peter Martin
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, USA
| | - Leonard W Poon
- Institute of Gerontology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Robyn Richmond
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jean-Marie Robine
- National Institute on Health and Medical Research, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Ingmar Skoog
- Department of Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Melissa J Slavin
- Dementia Collaborative Research Centre - Assessment and Better Care, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jan Szewieczek
- Department of Geriatrics, School of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Mauro Tettamanti
- Laboratory of Geriatric Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - José Viña
- Department of Physiology, University of Valencia and INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Thomas Perls
- New England Centenarian Study, Geriatrics Section, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Perminder S Sachdev
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. .,Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia.
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16
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COUNTRY-LEVEL SOCIOECONOMIC INDICATORS ASSOCIATED WITH SURVIVAL PROBABILITY OF BECOMING A CENTENARIAN AMONG OLDER EUROPEAN ADULTS: GENDER INEQUALITY, MALE LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION AND PROPORTIONS OF WOMEN IN PARLIAMENTS. J Biosoc Sci 2016; 49:239-250. [PMID: 27071450 DOI: 10.1017/s0021932016000092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This study confirms an association between survival probability of becoming a centenarian (SPBC) for those aged 65 to 69 and country-level socioeconomic indicators in Europe: the gender inequality index (GII), male labour force participation (MLP) rates and proportions of seats held by women in national parliaments (PWP). The analysis was based on SPBC data from 34 countries obtained from the United Nations (UN). Country-level socioeconomic indicator data were obtained from the UN and World Bank databases. The associations between socioeconomic indicators and SPBC were assessed using correlation coefficients and multivariate regression models. The findings show significant correlations between the SPBC for women and men aged 65 to 69 and country-level socioeconomic indicators: GII (r=-0.674, p=0.001), MLP (r=0.514, p=0.002) and PWP (r=0.498, p=0.003). The SPBC predictors for women and men were lower GIIs and higher MLP and PWP (R 2=0.508, p=0.001). Country-level socioeconomic indicators appear to have an important effect on the probability of becoming a centenarian in European adults aged 65 to 69. Country-level gender equality policies in European counties may decrease the risk of unhealthy old age and increase longevity in elders through greater national gender equality; disparities in GII and other country-level socioeconomic indicators impact longevity probability. National longevity strategies should target country-level gender inequality.
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17
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Kim JI, Kim G. Social Structural Influences on Healthy Aging: Community-Level Socioeconomic Conditions and Survival Probability of Becoming a Centenarian for Those Aged 65 to 69 in South Korea. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2016; 81:241-59. [PMID: 26769915 DOI: 10.1177/0091415015623550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study estimated the associations between community-level socioeconomic conditions and survival probability of becoming a centenarian (SPBC) for those aged 65 to 69 in South Korea to determine the social structural influences on healthy aging. The indicators of socioeconomic and data of centenarians were obtained from Statistics Korea database 2014: population census and social survey. Significant positive correlations were found between SPBC and community-level socioeconomic conditions (minimum cost of living and economically active population, water supply and sewerage, pave a road with asphalt, and urbanization). SPBC male and female predictors had higher economic level and base facilities (R2)=0.578, p<.001). The study provides evidence that community-level socioeconomic conditions are important correlates of SPBC for those aged 65 to 69 in South Korea. These strategies should include social structural influences on successful aging in the overall socioeconomic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gukbin Kim
- Royal Holloway, University of London, London, UK
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18
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Wang F, Huang G, Cai D, Li D, Liang X, Yu T, Shen P, Su H, Liu J, Gu H, Zhao M, Li Q. Qualitative and Semiquantitative Analysis of Fecal Bifidobacterium Species in Centenarians Living in Bama, Guangxi, China. Curr Microbiol 2015; 71:143-9. [PMID: 26003628 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-015-0804-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Centenarians constitute a significant subpopulation in the Bama County of Guangxi province in China. The beneficial effects of intestinal microbiota, especially bifidobacteria of centenarians, have been widely accepted; however, knowledge about Bifidobacterium species in centenarians is not adequate. The aim of this study was to investigate the quantity and prevalence of fecal Bifidobacterium in healthy longevous individuals. Fecal samples from eight centenarians from Bama (aged 100 to 108 years), eight younger elderlies from Bama (aged 80 to 99 years), and eight younger elderlies from Nanning (aged 80 to 99 years) were analyzed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, species-specific clone library, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction technology (qPCR). A total of eight different Bifidobacterium species were detected. B. dentium, B. longum, B. thermophilum, B. pseudocatenulatum/B. catenulatum, and B. adolescentis were common in fecal of centenarians and young elderly. B. minimum, B. saecularmay/B. pullorum/B. gallinarum, and B. mongoliense were found in centenarians but were absent in the younger elderlies. In addition, Bifidobacterium species found in centenarians were different from those found in Bama young elderly and Nanning young elderly, and the principal differences were the significant increase in the population of B. longum (P < 0.05) and B. dentium (P < 0.05) and the reduction in the frequency of B. adolescentis (P < 0.05), respectively. Centenarians tend to have more complex fecal Bifidobacterium species than young elderlies from different regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, People's Republic of China
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19
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Zole E, Elferts D, Kimsis J, Krumina A, Narels K, Pole I, Ranka R, Pliss L. Comparison of telomere length between population-specific mitochondrial haplogroups among different age groups in a Latvian population. Mech Ageing Dev 2015; 145:13-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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20
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Willcox DC, Scapagnini G, Willcox BJ. Healthy aging diets other than the Mediterranean: a focus on the Okinawan diet. Mech Ageing Dev 2014; 136-137:148-62. [PMID: 24462788 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The traditional diet in Okinawa is anchored by root vegetables (principally sweet potatoes), green and yellow vegetables, soybean-based foods, and medicinal plants. Marine foods, lean meats, fruit, medicinal garnishes and spices, tea, alcohol are also moderately consumed. Many characteristics of the traditional Okinawan diet are shared with other healthy dietary patterns, including the traditional Mediterranean diet, DASH diet, and Portfolio diet. All these dietary patterns are associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, among other age-associated diseases. Overall, the important shared features of these healthy dietary patterns include: high intake of unrefined carbohydrates, moderate protein intake with emphasis on vegetables/legumes, fish, and lean meats as sources, and a healthy fat profile (higher in mono/polyunsaturated fats, lower in saturated fat; rich in omega-3). The healthy fat intake is likely one mechanism for reducing inflammation, optimizing cholesterol, and other risk factors. Additionally, the lower caloric density of plant-rich diets results in lower caloric intake with concomitant high intake of phytonutrients and antioxidants. Other shared features include low glycemic load, less inflammation and oxidative stress, and potential modulation of aging-related biological pathways. This may reduce risk for chronic age-associated diseases and promote healthy aging and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Craig Willcox
- Okinawa International University, Department of Human Welfare, 2-6-1 Ginowan, Okinawa 901-2701, Japan; Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Hawaii, HPM-9, 347 N. Kuakini Street, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States; Department of Research, Kuakini Medical Center, 347 N. Kuakini Street, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States.
| | - Giovanni Scapagnini
- Department of Medicine and Health Science, University of Molise, Via de Sanctis, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Bradley J Willcox
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Hawaii, HPM-9, 347 N. Kuakini Street, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States; Department of Research, Kuakini Medical Center, 347 N. Kuakini Street, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States
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21
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Willcox BJ, Willcox DC. Caloric restriction, caloric restriction mimetics, and healthy aging in Okinawa: controversies and clinical implications. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2014; 17:51-8. [PMID: 24316687 PMCID: PMC5403510 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0000000000000019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To examine the role of two nutritional factors implicated in the healthy aging of the Okinawans: caloric restriction; and traditional foods with potential caloric restriction-mimetic properties. RECENT FINDINGS Caloric restriction is a research priority for the US National Institute on Aging. However, little is known regarding health effects in humans. Some caloric restriction-related outcomes, such as cause-specific mortality and lifespan, are not practical for human clinical trials. Therefore, epidemiological data on older Okinawans, who experienced a caloric restriction-like diet for close to half their lives, are of special interest. The nutritional data support mild caloric restriction (10-15%) and high consumption of foods that may mimic the biological effects of caloric restriction, including sweet potatoes, marine-based carotenoid-rich foods, and turmeric. Phenotypic evidence is consistent with caloric restriction (including short stature, low body weight, and lean BMI), less age-related chronic disease (including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and dementia), and longer lifespan (mean and maximum). SUMMARY Both caloric restriction and traditional Okinawan functional foods with caloric restriction-mimetic properties likely had roles in the extended healthspan and lifespan of the Okinawans. More research is needed on health consequences of caloric restriction and foods with caloric restriction-mimetic properties to identify possible nutritional interventions for healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J. Willcox
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, HPM-9, 347 N. Kuakini Street, Honolulu HI. 96817
- Department of Research, Kuakini Medical Center, 347 N. Kuakini Street, Honolulu HI. 96817
| | - Donald Craig Willcox
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, HPM-9, 347 N. Kuakini Street, Honolulu HI. 96817
- Department of Research, Kuakini Medical Center, 347 N. Kuakini Street, Honolulu HI. 96817
- Okinawa International University, Department of Human Welfare, 2-6-1 Ginowan, Okinawa, Japan 901-2701
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22
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Arai Y, Inagaki H, Takayama M, Abe Y, Saito Y, Takebayashi T, Gondo Y, Hirose N. Physical independence and mortality at the extreme limit of life span: supercentenarians study in Japan. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2013; 69:486-94. [PMID: 24225329 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glt146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevention of disability is a major challenge in aging populations; however, the extent to which physical independence can be maintained toward the limit of human life span remains to be determined. METHODS We examined the health and functional status of 642 centenarians: 207 younger centenarians (age: 100-104 years), 351 semi-supercentenarians (age: 105-109 years), and 84 supercentenarians (age: >110 years). All-cause mortality was followed by means of an annual telephone or mailed survey. RESULTS Age-specific disability patterns revealed that the older the age group, the higher the proportion of those manifesting independence in activities of daily living at any given age of entry. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified male gender and better cognitive function as consistent determinants of physical independence across all age categories. In a longitudinal analysis, better physical function was significantly associated with survival advantage until the age of 110. However, mortality beyond that age was predicted neither by functional status nor biomedical measurements, indicating alternative trajectories of mortality at the highest ages. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that maintaining physical independence is a key feature of survival into extreme old age. Future studies illuminating genetic and environmental underpinnings of supercentenarians' phenotypes will provide invaluable opportunities not only to improve preventive strategies but also to test the central hypotheses of human aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasumichi Arai
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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Accuracy of the centenarian numbers in Okinawa and the role of the Okinawan diet on longevity: responses to Le Bourg about the article "Exploring the impact of climate on human longevity". Exp Gerontol 2013; 48:840-2. [PMID: 23711883 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2013.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This response letter addresses two points raised by le Bourg when discussing our previous paper entitled "Exploring the impact of climate on human longevity". First, the arguments explaining the accuracy of the numbers of centenarian in Okinawa are developed, and second the composition and healthfulness of the traditional Okinawan diet are described as well as the changes in dietary pattern and their impact on longevity.
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Le Bourg E. About the article "Exploring the impact of climate on human longevity" (Exp. Geront. 47, 660-671, 2012). Exp Gerontol 2012; 48:839. [PMID: 23103237 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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