1
|
Abstract
Openness to experience has been found to be a correlate of successful aging outcomes yet also has been found to decline from middle age onward. We hypothesized that decline in openness would be associated with death. Using longitudinal data from the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (SATSA), the analytic sample encompassed 1954 individuals, approximately two-thirds of whom were deceased. We tested whether openness declines across late adulthood and, central to our hypothesis, whether the decline correlated with age at death. Multivariate modeling adjusted for age at study entry, sex, education, as well as the time-varying effects of physical illness, depressive symptoms, and cognitive ability. Correlations between change in neuroticism and extraversion and death were modeled for comparison. A follow-up cotwin control analysis adjusted for genetic and environmental familial confounders. Significant mean-level change was identified in all personality traits, but only for openness was change correlated with age at death, in support of our hypothesis. The findings were not explained by health factors or cognition. Cotwin control analyses indicated that the twin who died earlier showed a greater drop in openness prior to death, compared with their cotwin measured at the same time points. There was no cotwin finding for neuroticism or extraversion. We suggest that declines in openness may reflect a change in goal orientation due to the experience of a shortened time horizon, leading to an optimized selection of experiences as people approach the end of life. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Margaret Gatz
- Center for Economic and Social Research, University of Southern California
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hülür G, Heckhausen J, Hoppmann CA, Infurna FJ, Wagner GG, Ram N, Gerstorf D. Levels of and changes in life satisfaction predict mortality hazards: Disentangling the role of physical health, perceived control, and social orientation. Psychol Aging 2017; 32:507-520. [PMID: 28891665 DOI: 10.1037/pag0000187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is well documented that well-being typically evinces precipitous decrements at the end of life. However, research has primarily taken a postdictive approach by knowing the outcome (date of death) and aligning, in retrospect, how well-being has changed for people with documented death events. In the present study, we made use of a predictive approach by examining whether and how levels of and changes in life satisfaction prospectively predict mortality hazards and delineate the role of contributing factors, including health, perceived control, and social orientation. To do so, we applied shared parameter growth-survival models to 20-year longitudinal data from 10,597 participants (n = 1,560 [15%] deceased; age at baseline: M = 44 years, SD = 17, range = 18-98 years) from the national German Socio-Economic Panel Study. Our findings showed that lower levels and steeper declines of life satisfaction each uniquely predicted higher mortality risks. Results also revealed moderating effects of age and perceived control: Life satisfaction levels and changes had stronger predictive effects for mortality hazards among older adults. Perceived control was associated with lower mortality hazards; however, this effect was diminished for those who experienced accelerated life satisfaction decline. Variance decomposition suggests that predictive effects of life satisfaction trajectories were partially unique (3%-6%) and partially shared with physical health, perceived control, and social orientation (17%-19%). Our discussion focuses on the strengths and challenges of a predictive approach to link developmental changes (in life satisfaction) to mortality hazards, and considers implications of our findings for healthy aging. (PsycINFO Database Record
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Hülür
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich
| | | | | | | | | | - Nilam Ram
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wagner M, Rietz C, Kaspar R, Janhsen A, Geithner L, Neise M, Kinne-Wall C, Woopen C, Zank S. Quality of life of the very old : Survey on quality of life and subjective well-being of the very old in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW80+). Z Gerontol Geriatr 2017; 51:193-199. [PMID: 28332013 PMCID: PMC5801376 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-017-1217-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background In Germany, the very old are the most rapidly growing proportion of the population. A comprehensive investigation of the conditions for a good quality of life in this group is relevant for both society and politics. Objective The project “Quality of life and subjective well-being of the very old in North Rhine-Westphalia” (NRW80+) at the University of Cologne surveys quality of life of the very old. Taking into account many specific methodological and theoretical challenges, it aims at setting up a specific theoretical framework and methodological approach. Methods Existing studies on quality of life in old age in Germany and abroad as well as models on quality of life are reviewed with respect to their relevance for the very old and their specific living conditions, needs and interests. A theoretical framework of quality of life in very old age is developed. The NRW80+ study combines three levels: the empirical level of description of life situations and conditions, the explanative level of evaluating models of quality of life and the normative level of societal and ethical standards and norms. Results Considering results of recently conducted studies with the very old, an integrative conceptual model for studying quality of life of very old persons is introduced. In the model of challenges and potentials (CHAPO), environmental and individual factors as well as life chances and life results are thereby taken into consideration from a subjective as well as an objective point of view, supplemented by the concept of successful life conduct. Conclusion Starting from the CHAPO model of quality of life, the representative study NRW80+ aims at challenging methodological standards for the inclusion of the very old in social research thus providing the basis for further research as well as for sustainable social politics especially for the very old.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Wagner
- Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology (ISS), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- ceres - Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian Rietz
- Faculty of Humanities, Work Area Research Methods, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- ceres - Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Roman Kaspar
- Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology (ISS), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- ceres - Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Anna Janhsen
- Medical Faculty, Research Unit Ethics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- ceres - Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Luise Geithner
- Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology (ISS), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- ceres - Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Neise
- Faculty of Humanities, Rehabilitative Gerontology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- ceres - Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Carolin Kinne-Wall
- ceres - Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christiane Woopen
- Medical Faculty, Research Unit Ethics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- ceres - Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Susanne Zank
- Faculty of Humanities, Rehabilitative Gerontology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- ceres - Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sudell M, Kolamunnage-Dona R, Tudur-Smith C. Joint models for longitudinal and time-to-event data: a review of reporting quality with a view to meta-analysis. BMC Med Res Methodol 2016; 16:168. [PMID: 27919221 PMCID: PMC5139124 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-016-0272-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Joint models for longitudinal and time-to-event data are commonly used to simultaneously analyse correlated data in single study cases. Synthesis of evidence from multiple studies using meta-analysis is a natural next step but its feasibility depends heavily on the standard of reporting of joint models in the medical literature. During this review we aim to assess the current standard of reporting of joint models applied in the literature, and to determine whether current reporting standards would allow or hinder future aggregate data meta-analyses of model results. METHODS We undertook a literature review of non-methodological studies that involved joint modelling of longitudinal and time-to-event medical data. Study characteristics were extracted and an assessment of whether separate meta-analyses for longitudinal, time-to-event and association parameters were possible was made. RESULTS The 65 studies identified used a wide range of joint modelling methods in a selection of software. Identified studies concerned a variety of disease areas. The majority of studies reported adequate information to conduct a meta-analysis (67.7% for longitudinal parameter aggregate data meta-analysis, 69.2% for time-to-event parameter aggregate data meta-analysis, 76.9% for association parameter aggregate data meta-analysis). In some cases model structure was difficult to ascertain from the published reports. CONCLUSIONS Whilst extraction of sufficient information to permit meta-analyses was possible in a majority of cases, the standard of reporting of joint models should be maintained and improved. Recommendations for future practice include clear statement of model structure, of values of estimated parameters, of software used and of statistical methods applied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sudell
- Department of Biostatistics, Block F Waterhouse Building, University of Liverpool, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL UK
| | - Ruwanthi Kolamunnage-Dona
- Department of Biostatistics, Block F Waterhouse Building, University of Liverpool, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL UK
| | - Catrin Tudur-Smith
- Department of Biostatistics, Block F Waterhouse Building, University of Liverpool, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hickey GL, Philipson P, Jorgensen A, Kolamunnage-Dona R. Joint modelling of time-to-event and multivariate longitudinal outcomes: recent developments and issues. BMC Med Res Methodol 2016; 16:117. [PMID: 27604810 PMCID: PMC5015261 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-016-0212-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Available methods for the joint modelling of longitudinal and time-to-event outcomes have typically only allowed for a single longitudinal outcome and a solitary event time. In practice, clinical studies are likely to record multiple longitudinal outcomes. Incorporating all sources of data will improve the predictive capability of any model and lead to more informative inferences for the purpose of medical decision-making. Methods We reviewed current methodologies of joint modelling for time-to-event data and multivariate longitudinal data including the distributional and modelling assumptions, the association structures, estimation approaches, software tools for implementation and clinical applications of the methodologies. Results We found that a large number of different models have recently been proposed. Most considered jointly modelling linear mixed models with proportional hazard models, with correlation between multiple longitudinal outcomes accounted for through multivariate normally distributed random effects. So-called current value and random effects parameterisations are commonly used to link the models. Despite developments, software is still lacking, which has translated into limited uptake by medical researchers. Conclusion Although, in an era of personalized medicine, the value of multivariate joint modelling has been established, researchers are currently limited in their ability to fit these models routinely. We make a series of recommendations for future research needs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12874-016-0212-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graeme L Hickey
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Waterhouse Building, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL, UK.
| | - Pete Philipson
- Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering, Northumbria University, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Andrea Jorgensen
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Waterhouse Building, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL, UK
| | - Ruwanthi Kolamunnage-Dona
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Waterhouse Building, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Background: the terminal decline hypothesis suggests an acceleration in the rate of loss of cognitive function before death. Evidence about the association of educational attainment and the onset of terminal decline is scarce. Objective: to investigate the association of education with the onset of terminal decline in global cognitive function measured by Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) scores. Subjects: deceased participants of the Cambridge City over 75 Cohort Study who were interviewed at about 2, 7, 9, 13, 17 and 21 years after baseline. Methods: regular and Tobit random change point growth models were fitted to MMSE scores to identify the onset of terminal decline and assess the effect of education on this onset. Results: people who left school at an older age had a delayed onset of terminal decline. Thus better educated individuals experience a slightly shorter period of faster decline before death. Conclusion: an important finding emerging from our work is that education does appear to delay the onset of terminal decline, although only by a limited amount.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graciela Muniz Terrera
- MRC Lifelong Health and Ageing Unit, UCL, 33 Bedford Place, London WC1B 5JU, UK
- Address correspondence to: G. T. Muniz. Tel: 020-7670 5719.
| | - Thais Minett
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 2SR, UK
| | - Carol Brayne
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 2SR, UK
| | - Fiona E. Matthews
- MRC Lifelong Health and Ageing Unit, UCL, 33 Bedford Place, London WC1B 5JU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Terrera GM, Piccinin AM, Johansson B, Matthews F, Hofer SM. Joint Modeling of Longitudinal Change and Survival: An Investigation of the Association Between Change in Memory Scores and Death. GEROPSYCH-THE JOURNAL OF GERONTOPSYCHOLOGY AND GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY 2011; 24:177-185. [PMID: 23626569 DOI: 10.1024/1662-9647/a000047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Joint longitudinal-survival models are useful when repeated measures and event time data are available and possibly associated. The application of this joint model in aging research is relatively rare, albeit particularly useful, when there is the potential for nonrandom dropout. In this article we illustrate the method and discuss some issues that may arise when fitting joint models of this type. Using prose recall scores from the Swedish OCTO-Twin Longitudinal Study of Aging, we fitted a joint longitudinal-survival model to investigate the association between risk of mortality and individual differences in rates of change in memory. A model describing change in memory scores as following an accelerating decline trajectory and a Weibull survival model was identified as the best fitting. This model adjusted for random effects representing individual variation in initial memory performance and change in rate of decline as linking terms between the longitudinal and survival models. Memory performance and change in rate of memory decline were significant predictors of proximity to death. Joint longitudinal-survival models permit researchers to gain a better understanding of the association between change functions and risk of particular events, such as disease diagnosis or death. Careful consideration of computational issues may be required because of the complexities of joint modeling methodologies.
Collapse
|
8
|
Piccinin AM, Muniz G, Sparks C, Bontempo DE. An evaluation of analytical approaches for understanding change in cognition in the context of aging and health. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2011; 66 Suppl 1:i36-49. [PMID: 21743051 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbr038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this article, we discuss the importance of studying the relationship between health and cognitive function, and some of the methods with which this relationship has been studied. METHODS We consider the challenges involved, in particular operationalization of the health construct and causal inference in the context of observational data. We contrast the approaches taken, and review the questions addressed: whether health and cognition are associated, whether changes in health are associated with changes in cognition, and the degree of interdependency among their respective trajectories. RESULTS A variety of approaches for understanding the association between cognition and health in aging individuals have been used. Much of the literature on cognitive change and health has relied on methods that are based at least in part on the reorganization of between-person differences (e.g., cross-lag analysis) rather than relying more fully on analysis of within-person change and joint analysis of individual differences in within-person change in cognition and health. DISCUSSION We make the case for focusing on the interdependency between within-person changes in health and cognition and suggest methods that would support this.
Collapse
|
9
|
Muniz-Terrera G, Matthews FE, Stephan B, Brayne C. Are terminal decline and its potential indicators detectable in population studies of the oldest old? Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2011; 26:584-92. [PMID: 21480375 DOI: 10.1002/gps.2566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2009] [Accepted: 05/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore whether it is possible to detect decline in global scores of cognitive function in the proximity of death whilst simultaneously investigating potential risk profiles. METHODS Using the Mini Mental State Examination in a population study of the oldest old in which 99% of participants have died, a linear and quadratic time-to-death repeated measures random effects models were used to detect decline and potential factors which might indicate individual variation. RESULTS Decline and acceleration of this decline were detectable in the period before death. Some between person variation was detected in this pattern, which included differences in cognitive performance by age at death (-0.2 (SE = 0.02)), sex (-1.2 (SE = 0.2)), initial cognitive impairment (-7.5 (SE = 0.2)) and mobility (-0.6 (SE = 0.2)), in rate of decline by age at death (-0.04 (SE = 0.005)), sex (-0.1 (SE = 0.06)), initial cognitive impairment (-0.3 (SE = 0.07)) and mobility (-0.1 (SE = 0.05)) and differences in change in rate of decline by sex (-0.008 (SE = 0.004)), initial cognitive impairment (-0.02 (SE = 0.04)) and mobility (-0.01 (SE = 0.003)). CONCLUSION Using an extension of existing methods for exploring terminal decline, the phenomenon of decline in global cognition measures in the proximity of death was clearly detected as well as potential variables which could influence that pattern. Further work is required to explore whether similar methods can be used to detect the onset of the acceleration of this decline in each individual together with the potential to identify individual level factors that can allow clinicians to distinguish between the normal and preterminal phases of change in extreme old age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graciela Muniz-Terrera
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Public Health, University Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Piccinin AM, Muniz G, Matthews FE, Johansson B. Terminal decline from within- and between-person perspectives, accounting for incident dementia. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2011; 66:391-401. [PMID: 21389088 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbr010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The terminal cognitive decline hypothesis has been debated for almost 50 years. This hypothesis implies a change in rate of decline within an individual. Therefore, we examine the hypothesis from a within-person perspective using a time to death chronological structure. METHOD Scores on a Swedish version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Information and Block Design scores from 461 OCTO-Twin Study participants with confirmed death dates were modeled using quadratic growth curve models including both age and distance from death at study entry, sex, education, and dementia diagnosis as covariates of initial performance and of linear and quadratic change over time. RESULTS Information scores showed statistically significant evidence of slight within-person acceleration of declines in the no dementia group. Individuals with incident dementia declined more quickly, and those who were closer to death at study baseline had a stronger acceleration. Block Design scores declined but did not show evidence of such acceleration either within or across individuals. Decline was faster in incident cases closer to death at study entry. DISCUSSION Within-person evidence of terminal decline is not as strong as previously published between-person results. Strategies for focusing models on longitudinal aspects of available data and the extent to which lack of within-person evidence for terminal decline may stem from common data limitations are discussed.
Collapse
|
11
|
Oksuzyan A, Maier H, McGue M, Vaupel JW, Christensen K. Sex differences in the level and rate of change of physical function and grip strength in the Danish 1905-cohort study. J Aging Health 2010; 22:589-610. [PMID: 20453156 DOI: 10.1177/0898264310366752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study was conducted to examine sex differences in the initial level and rate of change in physical function and grip strength. METHOD The baseline survey included 2,262 Danes born in 1905 and alive in 1998 and followed-up in 2000, 2003, and 2005. Hence, the authors fully used the power of having a cohort with multiple assessments in late life and virtually complete follow-up of lifespan (through December 2008). Latent growth curve modeling was used. RESULTS Men had higher initial levels and rates of decline in strength score and grip strength. Lifespan was positively correlated with intercepts and slopes. DISCUSSION The Danish data suggested that the longest-living individuals have higher initial levels of strength score and grip strength and smaller rate of change. The data further suggested that the initial level of strength score and grip strength was more predictive of mortality than the rate of change was, and the predictive effects were similar in men and women.
Collapse
|