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Shum ENY, Lau BHP, Cheung KSL, Chan CLW, Siu JCY, Luk JKH, Kwan JSK, Chan GMY, Pat LYC, Martin P. Multiple Roads to Success: A Latent Class Analysis on Successful Ageing Among Hong Kong Near-Centenarians and Centenarians (NCC). Int J Aging Hum Dev 2024; 99:152-178. [PMID: 37904549 DOI: 10.1177/00914150231208681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Notwithstanding the oldest-old cohort being the fastest-growing population in most ageing societies, characterizing successful ageing in adults of advanced age, such as nonagenarians and centenarians, remains challenging. This study investigated the successful ageing subphenotypes using the data from Hong Kong Centenarian Study 2. Between April 2021 and September 2022, 146 family caregivers of community-dwelling older adults aged 95 or above were interviewed by phone. Latent class analysis identified three classes-Overall Frail (46.6%) with poor mobility, cognitive and functional health, Nonambulant (37.0%) but good functional health, and Robust (16.4%) with overall good health-from 11 indicators based on caregivers' reports. Although we found a low prevalence of fulfillment of all indicators of successful ageing, our findings will help care professionals appreciate the heterogeneity underlying partial successful ageing in this vulnerable cohort for segmented and targeted healthy longevity interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Ngai-Yin Shum
- Department of Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bobo Hi-Po Lau
- Department of Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Evidence-based Practice and Research (CIEBPR), Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karen Siu-Lan Cheung
- Sau Po Centre on Ageing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Mindlink Research Centre, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cecilia Lai-Wan Chan
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joey Chung-Yue Siu
- Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Hong Kong, China
| | - James Ka-Hay Luk
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Fung Yiu King Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | - Lian Ying-Chun Pat
- Department of Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peter Martin
- Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
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Uittenhove K, Lampraki C, da Rocha CG, Rott C, von Gunten A, Jopp DS. Profiles of centenarians' functioning: linking functional and cognitive capacity with depressive symptoms. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:451. [PMID: 38783188 PMCID: PMC11119272 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05036-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite most centenarians facing age-related declines in functional and cognitive capacities, the severity of these declines varies among individuals, as does the maintenance of good mental health (e.g., depressive symptoms) despite these declines. This study aims to examine this heterogeneity in centenarians from the Second Heidelberg Centenarian Study, which collected data from 112 centenarians living in Germany. In our study, we focus on a subsample of 73 centenarians who provided self-reports for our measures of interest (M age = 100.4, SD age = 0.55). METHODS We examined correlations between functional capacity (i.e., PADL, IADL), cognitive capacity (i.e., MMSE), and depressive symptoms (i.e., GDS), and the existence of different profiles using hierarchical clustering. RESULTS Higher functional capacity was related to higher cognitive capacity and to fewer depressive symptoms. Yet, higher cognitive capacity was associated with more depressive symptoms. Hierarchical clustering analysis elucidated this contradiction by identifying three profiles: low-capacity individuals (i.e., 24 individuals had low functional and cognitive capacities, with low depressive symptoms), high-capacity individuals (i.e., 33 individuals with high functional and cognitive capacities, with low depressive symptoms), and low-functional-high-cognitive-capacity individuals (i.e., 16 individuals showed low functional but high cognitive capacity, with high depressive symptoms). Our post-hoc analyses highlighted arthritis and pain as risk factors for functional dependence and depression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings emphasize the importance of identifying centenarian subgroups with specific resource- and risk profiles to better address their needs, and of treating pain to improve functional capacity and mental health in centenarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Uittenhove
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne & Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, Bâtiment Géopolis, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland.
| | - Charikleia Lampraki
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Carla Gomes da Rocha
- Service of Old Age Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- School of Health Sciences, HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Sion, Switzerland
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Christoph Rott
- Institute of Gerontology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Armin von Gunten
- Service of Old Age Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniela S Jopp
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne & Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, Bâtiment Géopolis, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
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Li Z, Ding Z, Zhao P. Comparison of functional disabilities, place of death and end-of-life medical expenditures among centenarians and non-centenarians in China: a series of cross-sectional studies. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:402. [PMID: 37391725 PMCID: PMC10311848 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04111-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term and end-of-life (EOL) care for older adults has become a global concern due to extended longevity, which is generally accompanied by increased rates of disability. However, differences in the rates of disability in activities of daily living (ADLs), place of death and medical expenditures during the last year of life between centenarians and non-centenarians in China remain unknown. This study aims to fill this research gap to inform policy efforts for the capacity-building of long-term and EOL care for the oldest-old, especially for centenarians in China. METHODS Data from 20,228 decedents were derived from the 1998-2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Weighted logistic and Tobit regression models were used to estimate differences in the prevalence of functional disability, rate of death in hospitals and EOL medical expenditures by age groups among oldest-old individuals. RESULTS Of the 20,228 samples, 12,537 oldest-old individuals were female (weighted, 58.6%, hereafter); 3,767 were octogenarians, 8,260 were nonagenarians, and 8,201 were centenarians. After controlling for other covariates, nonagenarians and centenarians experienced a greater prevalence of full dependence (average marginal differences [95% CI]: 2.7% [0%, 5.3%]; 3.8% [0.3%, 7.9%]) and partial dependence (6.9% [3.4%, 10.3%]; 15.1% [10.5%, 19.8%]) but a smaller prevalence of partial independence (-8.9% [-11.6%, -6.2%]; -16.0% [-19.1%, -12.8%]) in ADLs than octogenarians. Nonagenarians and centenarians were less likely to die in hospitals (-3.0% [-4.7%, -1.2%]; -4.3% [-6.3%, -2.2%]). Additionally, nonagenarians and centenarians reported more medical expenditures during the last year of life than octogenarians with no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION The oldest-old experienced an increased prevalence of full and partial dependence in ADLs with increasing age and reported a decline in the prevalence of full independence. Compared with octogenarians, nonagenarians and centenarians were less likely to die in hospitals. Therefore, future policy efforts are warranted to optimise the service provision of long-term and EOL care by age patterns for the oldest-old population in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Li
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Ziqin Ding
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Panpan Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
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Bhattacharyya KK, Molinari V, Andel R. Longevity is not an ingredient of successful aging as self-reported by community-dwelling older adults: a scoping review. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:217-229. [PMID: 35132879 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2033696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There has been a long-standing debate in gerontology about what constitutes successful aging (SA). This scoping review investigated older adults' perspectives on longevity as part of SA to promote developing a standardized conceptual model. METHOD The current review followed the JBI methodological guidelines and used Rowe & Kahn's SA framework and Baltes' selection, optimization, and compensation model as the foundational theoretical framework. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Web of Science) were searched using specific inclusion criteria (participants, concept, and context) to identify original studies that evaluated SA. RESULTS Eighteen studies, including 9,360 individuals (aged 60 years and older), were selected. Main indicators involved six primary domains: Psychological, physical, social, environmental, spiritual, and behavioral. Physical activity, basic aspects of wellbeing, positive outlook, satisfaction with life, interpersonal relationship, participation in meaningful activities, and financial security emerged as the most important factors. The findings suggest that older adults do not consider longevity a primary component of SA. CONCLUSION We identified multidimensional self-reported SA components without longevity being emphasized, guiding further improvement of older adults' wellbeing. The study outlines an updated conceptual framework that can be applied to real-life scenarios to test how older adults can best adapt to the challenges of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victor Molinari
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ross Andel
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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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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Lau WYT, Stoner C, Wong GHY, Spector A. New horizons in understanding the experience of Chinese people living with dementia: a positive psychology approach. Age Ageing 2021; 50:1493-1498. [PMID: 34107007 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afab097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As the global average age increases, the incidence of dementia is also rising. Given improvements in diagnosis and life expectancies, people now live longer with dementia. Thus, the wellbeing and quality of life among people living with dementia are increasingly important areas for research. Research with Western populations has recently begun to apply positive psychology concepts to understand wellbeing in people with dementia. Positive psychology focuses on positive emotions and traits that allow individuals to flourish and thrive-it highlights the possibility of positive subjective experiences in the face of loss and functional decline, and contrasts the traditional deficit-focused perception of dementia. Despite being a major driver in the global growth of dementia prevalence, there is a dearth of research using such positive concepts to understand people with dementia in non-Western communities. This review contains discussion of research on positive constructs in Chinese older adults, and parallels between traditional Chinese cultural values and positive psychology. On this basis, we propose the applicability of a positive psychology framework to Chinese people with dementia, and that 'harmony' is an important culturally specific concept to consider in this area of research. A positive psychology approach acknowledges that strengths and positive experiences can endure after dementia diagnosis. This not only adds to the under-researched area of lived experience of dementia in Chinese people, but highlights areas that could be the focus of interventions or measured as outcomes. By improving understanding, this approach also has potential to reduce carer burden and stigma around dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Yin Tiffany Lau
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Charlotte Stoner
- Centre for Chronic Illness and Ageing, School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London SE10 9LS, UK
| | - Gloria Hoi-Yan Wong
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Aimee Spector
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK
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Xu X, Zhao Y, Gu D, Pei Y, Wu B. Health Behaviors and Self-Reported Oral Health among Centenarians in Nanjing, China: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7285. [PMID: 34299735 PMCID: PMC8304003 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The role of health behaviors in oral health conditions in individuals of extremely old age remains understudied. This study included 185 participants aged 100 years or older from the Nanjing Centenarians Study (NCS) to examine the associations between health behaviors and oral health and investigate the potential moderating role of education and living arrangements in such relationships. The oral health status as an outcome included the self-reported oral health status and edentulous status. Health behavior variables included smoking, eating fruits, eating vegetables, participating in leisure activities, and practicing oral hygiene behaviors. Sociodemographic characteristics and health status were considered as confounders. Descriptive statistics, ordinal regression, and logistic regression models were used to address the research questions. Results showed that better oral health was reported by centenarians who were non-smokers, participated in more leisure activities, and practiced higher frequency of oral hygiene behaviors. Those who ate fruits daily and practiced more frequently oral hygiene behaviors were more likely to be dentate. The positive association of oral hygiene behaviors was stronger for centenarians who were formally educated and co-resided with family members. The results suggest that effective interventions should consider health behaviors and living arrangements in this growing population to improve their oral health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- Population Research Institute, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210042, China;
| | - Yuan Zhao
- Population Research Institute, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210042, China;
- Ginling College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Danan Gu
- Independent Researcher, New York, NY 10010, USA;
| | - Yaolin Pei
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA;
| | - Bei Wu
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA;
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Fabio RA, Gallo R, Colombo B. Physical and mental health in the oldest-old: a mixed-methods study on a southern Italy sample. Aging Clin Exp Res 2021; 33:1549-1556. [PMID: 32705588 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-020-01659-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world's aging population has been constantly increasing in the last decades, causing the number oldest-old individuals to increase. AIMS The present study aims to explore the different variables that contribute to the oldest-old wellbeing using a mixed-methods approach, including self-reports, standardized measures, and semi-structured interviews. METHODS Thirty-nine oldest-old (90-103) from southern Italy were involved in the study, together with a control sample of younger individuals (51-71) from the same families. RESULTS Data suggest that the oldest-old have better mental health, higher resilience, and more optimism than younger individuals. High resilience seems to be the key variable that promotes the overall wellbeing. DISCUSSION The oldest-old tend to have better mental health, higher resilience and more optimism than younger individuals. CONCLUSIONS Wellbeing in the oldest-old appeared to be promoted by the sense of belonging and life purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Angela Fabio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, ME, Italy
| | - Roberta Gallo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, ME, Italy
| | - Barbara Colombo
- Neuroscience Lab, Champlain College, Burlington, VT, 05402, USA.
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Lu W, Pikhart H, Sacker A. Domains and Measurements of Healthy Aging in Epidemiological Studies: A Review. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2020; 59:e294-e310. [PMID: 29897451 PMCID: PMC6630160 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gny029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose of the Study Few studies have recommended the essential domains of healthy aging and their relevant measurement to assess healthy aging comprehensively. This review is to fill the gap, by conducting a literature review of domains and measures of healthy aging in epidemiological studies. Design and Methods A literature search was conducted up to March 31, 2017, supplemented by a search of references in all relevant articles in English. We made a final selection of 50 studies across 23 countries or regions. Results Nineteen studies applied Rowe and Kahn’s three standards to assess healthy aging. Thirty-seven studies measured physical capabilities mainly by (instrumental) activities of daily living. Cognitive functions were included in 33 studies. Nineteen of them applied Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Twenty-six studies considered metabolic and physiological health, but they mainly asked the self-reported absence of diseases. Twenty-four studies assessed psychological well-being by employing diverse scales. Questions about participation in social activities were mainly asked to measure social well-being in 22 studies. Sixteen studies considered individuals’ general health status, which was mainly measured by self-rated health. Security questions were asked in five studies. Health behaviors were taken into account by three studies. Fifteen studies either applied SF-12/36 or developed health indices to assess healthy aging. Implications This review summarizes detailed scales or methods that have been used to assess healthy aging in previous epidemiological studies. It also discusses and recommends the essential domains of healthy aging, and the relevant instruments for further epidemiological research to use in the assessment of healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentian Lu
- Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Hynek Pikhart
- Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Sacker
- Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, United Kingdom
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The prevalence and predictors of anxiety and depression in near-centenarians and centenarians: a systematic review. Int Psychogeriatr 2019; 31:1539-1558. [PMID: 31354113 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610219000802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current research on the psychological health of near-centenarians (95-99 years old) and centenarians remains limited. Existing studies have mainly characterized their physical, cognitive, and social health. Results on the anxiety and depression of near-centenarians and centenarians (more than 95 years old) have been mixed with some studies, finding higher rates of anxiety and depression among those older than 95 years and others reporting no difference in rates compared with younger age groups. This study aims to synthesize the existing literature on the prevalence and predictors of anxiety and depression in near-centenarians and centenarians. METHOD A systematic review was conducted using Ovid Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane database. Common and conflicting findings among the literature were examined. RESULTS Thirty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies examined the prevalence and predictors of anxiety, and 37 studies investigated the prevalence and predictors of depression. Five studies examined both anxiety and depression in the same sample. Prevalence data on anxiety and depression varied significantly, as did comparisons with rates in younger populations. Findings on predictors of anxiety and depression were contradictory. CONCLUSION There is a large degree of heterogeneity among studies of centenarians' psychological status. Findings conflict on the prevalence and predictors of anxiety and depression and rates compared with younger age groups. Variation in findings may result from the different inclusion criteria, sampling methods, and measurement tools. Better harmonization of centenarian study methodologies may improve consistency of findings to aid in developing clinical interventions.
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Pancani S, Sofi F, Cecchi F, Macchi C. HDL Cholesterol Is Independently Associated with Cognitive Function in Males But Not in Females within a Cohort of Nonagenarians: The MUGELLO Study. J Nutr Health Aging 2019; 23:552-557. [PMID: 31233077 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-019-1203-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the possible relationship between lipid profile and cognitive functions in a cohort of nonagenarians enrolled within the Mugello Study, an epidemiological study aimed at investigating both clinically relevant geriatric items and various health issues. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING This study focused on oldest old community-dwelling participants. PARTICIPANTS Three hundred twenty-five nonagenarians (218 F, median age: 92 years). MEASUREMENTS Participants were evaluated through laboratory, instrumental examinations and questionnaires concerning lifestyle, dietary habits and cognitive status. RESULTS Females are older, with a lower level of education, live more prevalently on their own and have higher values for total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) compared to males. With regard to functional and cognitive measures females report a significantly lower skill level in the physical activity performance, with a level of independence that is better for both basic and instrumental activities. In order to investigate whether there was an association between lipid variables and cognitive function as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination a multiple regression analysis was performed with adjustments for confounding variables based on gender. In males, HDL cholesterol showed a significant relationship with Mini-Mental State Examination after a complete adjustment with years of education, physical activity performance and daily living activities (β = 0.174; p=0.037). In females HDL cholesterol showed a significant association only in the model adjusted for age and body mass index, losing its associations as soon as the cohabitation state and the depression status entered the model. CONCLUSION Our results support the hypothesis that HDL cholesterol is significantly linked to cognitive functions, especially in males of a cohort of very old people.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pancani
- Silvia Pancani, PhD, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via di Scandicci, 269, 50143, Florence, Italy, E-mail address:
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Zhao Y, Fu H, Guo A, Qiu L, Cheung KSL, Wu B, Jopp D, Gu D. A comparison of perceived uselessness between centenarians and non-centenarians in China. BMC Geriatr 2018; 18:251. [PMID: 30348092 PMCID: PMC6196423 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-018-0944-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-perceived uselessness is associated with poorer health in older adults. However, it is unclear whether there is a difference in self-perceived uselessness between centenarians and non-centenarians, and if so, which factors contributed to the difference. METHODS We used four waves of a nationwide longitudinal dataset from 2005 to 2014 in China to investigate these research goals. We first performed multinomial logit regression models to examine the risk of the high or moderate frequency of self-perceived uselessness relative to the low frequency among centenarians (5778 persons) in comparison with non-centenarians aged 65-99 (20,846 persons). We then conducted a cohort analysis for those born in 1906-1913, examining differences in self-perceived uselessness between those centenarians and those died between ages 91 and 99 during 2005-2014. RESULTS Compared to persons aged 65-79, centenarians had 84% (relative risk ratio (RRR) = 1.84, 95% CI:1.69-2.01) and 35% (RRR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.25-1.46) higher risk to have the high frequency and the moderate frequency of feeling useless versus low frequency, respectively, when only demographic factors were controlled for. However, centenarians had 31% (RRR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.54-0.88), 43% (RRR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.49-0.68), and 25% (RRR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.67-0.83) lower risk, respectively, to have the high frequency of self-perceived uselessness relative to the low frequency when a wide set of study covariates were controlled for. In the case of the moderate versus the low frequency of self-perceived uselessness, the corresponding figures were 18% (RRR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.66-1.02), 22% (RRR = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.67-0.90), and 13% (RRR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79-0.96), respectively. The cohort analysis further indicates that those who became centenarians were 36-39% less likely than those died at ages 91-94 to report the high and the moderate frequencies of self-perceived uselessness versus the low frequency; no difference was found between centenarians and those died at ages 95-99. In both period and cohort analyses, behavioral and health-related factors affected the perception substantially. CONCLUSIONS Overall, centenarians were less likely to perceive themselves as useless compared to non-centenarians of younger birth cohorts when a wide set of covariates were considered and non-centenarians of the same birth cohort. How centenarians manage to do so remains an open question. Our findings may help improve our understanding about the longevity secrets of centenarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhao
- Ginling College, School of Geographical Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Fu
- School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aimei Guo
- Ginling College, International Center for Aging Studies, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Qiu
- Independent Researcher, New York, USA
| | | | - Bei Wu
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing and NYU Aging Incubator, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Daniela Jopp
- Department of Psychology and National Centre for Research LIVES, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Danan Gu
- United Nations Population Division, Two UN Plaza, DC2-1910, New York, NY, 10017, USA.
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Contributions of Psychosocial Factors and Physical Activity to Successful Aging. SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 21:E26. [PMID: 30056813 DOI: 10.1017/sjp.2018.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was twofold: (a) To validate a successful aging model in a Spanish older adult's sample, and (b) to predict successful aging from psychosocial factors and physical activity. Participants were 725 Spanish older people, of whom 478 were women and 247 men, aged between 55 and 100 years. Of these, 501 were physically active and 197 persons did not practice physical activity. The sample was collected in three areas: Sport centers, day centers and public areas of several Spanish towns. Factorial validity of the Successful Aging Inventory was studied by confirmatory factor analysis, and four multiple regressions to predict each of the dimensions of successful aging (functional performance, intrapsychic factors, gerotranscendence, and spirituality) were estimated. The model of successful aging in Spanish elderly through the Successful Aging Inventory was adequate. The four multiple regressions predicted highly successful aging, with effect sizes of: R2 = .037 for spirituality; .267 for functional performance; .531 for intrapsychic factors; and .356 for gerotrascendece. A main conclusion derived from the results is that older people who do exercise achieve better aging. Another point is that aspects of health and life satisfaction are directly related to better aging while social aspects influence indirectly.
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An Observational Study on the Factors of Successful Aging in a Sample of Nonagenarian Patients in a Rehabilitation Hospital Complex. JOURNAL OF POPULATION AGEING 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12062-017-9175-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Gu D, Feng Q, Sautter JM, Yang F, Ma L, Zhen Z. Concordance and Discordance of Self-Rated and Researcher-Measured Successful Aging: Subtypes and Associated Factors. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2017; 72:214-227. [PMID: 27927742 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbw143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To investigate subtypes of successful aging (SA) based on concordance and discordance between self-rated and researcher-defined measures and their associations with demographic, psychosocial, and life satisfaction factors. Method We used multinomial logistic regression models to analyze 2013 cross-sectional survey data from 1,962 persons aged 65 and older in Shanghai that measured self-rated successful aging (SSA) with a single global assessment and researcher-defined successful aging (RSA) with a cumulative deficit index reflecting physical, physiological, cognitive, psychological, and social engagement domains. We generated four subtypes based on these two dichotomous variables: nonsuccessful aging (non-SA; meeting neither the criterion of RSA nor the criterion of SSA), RSA-only (meeting the criterion of RSA-only but not the criterion of SSA), SSA-only (meeting the criterion of SSA-only but not the criterion of RSA), and both-successful aging (both-SA; meeting both criteria of RSA and SSA). Results In the sample, 32% were nonsuccessful agers, 7% RSA-only, 34% SSA-only, and 27% successful agers. Female gender and older age were associated with lower likelihood of RSA-only and both-SA relative to non-SA, but with greater likelihood of SSA-only. Good socioeconomic conditions and social networks were associated with greater likelihood of SSA-only and both-SA relative to non-SA or RSA-only. Satisfaction with life domains was robustly and positively associated with good successful aging outcomes. Discussion Researcher-defined successful aging and self-rated successful aging are different measures with distinct social correlates. Subtypes of concordance and discordance provide a more holistic biopsychosocial conceptualization of successful aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danan Gu
- Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations, Two UN Plaza, New York
| | - Qiushi Feng
- Department of Sociology, National University of Singapore
| | - Jessica M Sautter
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Lei Ma
- Department of Sociology, School of Sociology and Political Science, Shanghai University, China
| | - Zhihong Zhen
- Department of Sociology, School of Sociology and Political Science, Shanghai University, China
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