Extreme Longevity: Analysis of the Direct or Indirect Influence of Environmental Factors on Old, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians in Cilento, Italy

A longevity level-oriented wellness target area identification method: a case study of Yunnan Province, China

Background

Aging, as a global demographic issue, is characterized by its rapid growth, which drives an increase in people's healthcare awareness. The emergence of wellness bases caters to this market demand. Therefore, the identification of potential areas suitable for wellness activities and the construction of wellness bases, referred to as Wellness Target Areas (WTAs), becomes a crucial first step. Currently, commonly used identification methods are mostly based on traditional statistical approaches, which are often complex, cumbersome, and subject to potential risks of subjective assumptions, affecting the reliability of WTAs identification results. Longevity level serves as a comprehensive indicator reflecting the natural and socio-economic environment of a region, making it the most indicative of the regional wellness environment status.

Methods

This study proposes using longevity level as the benchmark for WTAs identification to simplify the identification process and reduce the impact of subjective bias on the results. The study focuses on 129 county-level units in Yunnan Province. Firstly, the Geodetector (GD) is utilized to explore the complex interaction between the longevity level and the geographical environment to determine regional wellness factors. Secondly, using ArcGIS and geographical weighted regression (GWR), the study investigates the role of different wellness factors, ultimately classifying and grading the WTAs.

Results

The longevity level in Yunnan Province exhibits a pattern of multi-point clustering, forming three major longevity regions. Factors that significantly influence longevity level include annual average precipitation, sunshine duration, PM2.5 content, per capita disposable income, density of tourist attractions, and distance from residential areas to hospitals. Based on the degree of longevity and the contribution rate of influencing factors, Yunnan Province's WTAs are classified into three levels and two types (natural and comprehensive).

Conclusion

Our study aims to establish a connection between longevity level and the selection of wellness bases, exploring regional wellness factors through the relationship between longevity phenomena and geographical environment, identifying potential construction areas for wellness bases (i.e., WTAs), providing new insights for the precise selection of wellness bases, effectively enhancing the scientificity of site selection, promoting population health, and contributing to the global aging process with better health.

Association between Blood Parameters of Nutritional Status and Functional Status in Extreme Longevity

BACKGROUND

The relationship between functional and nutritional status in the geriatric population remains an issue of debate and there is a gap in the knowledge regarding this field in long-lived individuals.

AIM

The main aim of this study was to assess the association between selected blood parameters of nutritional status and functional status in extreme longevity.

METHODS

The inclusion criteria were centenarians above 100 years of age who were examined at their homes, and blood samples were collected. The study group consisted of 170 individuals (25 men and 145 women, median age 100.75 years [100.29-101.58]).

RESULTS

Total protein and albumin serum concentration was significantly lower in long-lived individuals with severe functional decline compared to individuals with preserved functional status, p = 0.000001 and p = 0.0000, respectively. Iron serum level was significantly higher in the group with preserved functional status, p = 0.04. Preserved functional status was positively correlated with total protein serum concentration (p = 0.000), albumin concentration (p = 0.000), and iron serum level (p = 0.029). A negative correlation was stated between c-reactive protein (CRP) and functional status (p = 0.032). Univariable logistic regression analysis showed that the functional status of long-lived individuals depends on total protein (OR 2.89, CI 95% [1.67-5.0]) and albumin concentrations (OR 2.34, CI 95% [1.39-3.92]). Multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that a total protein concentration was the only variable independently related to the preserved functional status (OR 3.2, 95% Cl [1.8-5.67]).

CONCLUSIONS

In long-lived individuals, the total serum protein and albumin levels are lower in centenarians with severe functional decline, and they correlate with functional status. Total protein serum concentration is the only factor independently related to the preserved functional status in extreme longevity.

An epidemiological qualitative/quantitative SWOT-AHP analysis in order to highlight the positive or critical aspects of dental implants: A pilot study

OBJECTIVES

In recent years, dental implants are increasing in popularity due to their high success rate, demonstrated functionality, and aesthetic treatment results. Scientific research is very active in proposing improvements in the quality and survival of implants, taking into consideration various aspects. The objective of this study was to provide a holistic epidemiologic view of the state of dental implants, using a systematic approach based on a multimethod SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis and AHP (analytical hierarchical process) qualitative-quantitative analysis to identify the characteristics that can determine their success or failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study used the hybrid method of SWOT-AHP.

RESULTS

Analysis of the results showed that among strengths, the skill of the dentist was considered the most important factor, followed by the success of dental implants in the old people; among weaknesses, bruxism and chronic diseases were highlighted; for opportunities, biomechanical behavior, in terms of good mechanical strength and good tribological resistance to chemical and physical agents in the oral cavity, were considered the most important factors; finally, among threats, medical liability and biomechanical problems had equal weight.

CONCLUSIONS

This study applied a multimethod SWOT-AHP approach to bring out favorable or critical evidence on the topic of dental implants. In accordance with the result of the strategic vector identified in the Twisting zone Adjustment type section, showed that implant surgery is a widespread technique but always needs improvement to increase the likelihood of success and reduce the complications that can lead to implant failure.

A Narrative Review Exploring the Similarities between Cilento and the Already Defined "Blue Zones" in Terms of Environment, Nutrition, and Lifestyle: Can Cilento Be Considered an Undefined "Blue Zone"?

Longevity is rightly considered one of the greatest achievements of modern society, not only as a function of lifespan, but, more importantly, as a function of healthspan. There are Longevity Blue Zones (LBZs), regions around the world, such as in Okinawa, Japan; the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Icaria, Greece; and Ogliastra, Sardinia, that are characterized by a significant percentage of residents who live exceptionally long lives, often avoiding age-related disability to a significantly higher degree than in the Western way of life. Longevity is not a universal phenomenon, so if there are places in the world with characteristics similar to the LBZs, it is important to identify them in order to better understand what other factors, in addition to the known ones, might contribute to a long and healthy life. This narrative review aims to identify common factors between Cilento and the five LBZs, taking into account environmental, nutritional, and lifestyle factors. Articles from 2004 to the present, limited to studies published in English, German, and Italian, were searched in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The co-authors agreed on 18 final reference texts. In order to evaluate the similarities between Cilento and the LBZs, a descriptive comparative approach was used. Cilento and the LBZs share several common factors, including a hilly altitude ranging from 355 to 600 m; a mild climate throughout the year, with temperatures between 17.4 and 23.5 degrees Celsius; traditional professions, such as agriculture and animal husbandry; and a predominantly Mediterranean or plant-based diet, with typical recipes based on legumes, tubers, vegetables, and extra virgin olive oil. Additionally, maintenance of strong intergenerational family relationships, religious devotion, and social relationships within the community are also prevalent. Given the similarities to Cilento, one might wonder if this is an LBZ waiting to be discovered. The lessons learned from this discovery could be applied to the general population to protect them from non-communicable chronic diseases and help slow the aging process.

Old, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians in Cilento, Italy and the Association of Lifespan with the Level of Some Physicochemical Elements in Tap Drinking Water

Longevity, as a complex life-history trait, shares an ontogenetic relationship with other quantitative traits, such as epigenetic and environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to identify environmental factors that may modify the epigenome to establish healthy aging. This study explored the association between tap drinking water and longevity in Cilento, Italy, to understand whether trace elements in local drinking water may have an influence on old, nonagenarian, and centenarian people and promote their health and longevity. Data on population and water sources were collected through the National Demographic Statistics, the Cilento Municipal Archives, and the Cilento Integrated Water Service. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and a geographically weight regression (GWR) model were used to study the spatial relationship between the explanatory and outcome variables of longevity. The results of the study showed that the prevalence of longevity is concentrated in the central, northern and southeastern areas of the territory and that some trace elements present in tap water may contribute to local longevity in Cilento. Specifically, all Cilento municipalities had alkaline tap water, and the municipalities with the highest longevity concentrations had higher alkalinity levels than the other municipalities, soft to medium-hard water hardness, an amount of total dissolved solids equivalent to the level of excellent water, lower amounts of sodium, adequate iron concentration, and adequate dietary intake of manganese per day.

Nutritional status, health risk behaviors, and eating habits are correlated with physical activity and exercise of brazilian older hypertensive adults: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Nutritional status, health risk behaviors, eating habits, and other comorbidities (such as diabetes) may be associated with recommended amounts of physical activity (PA) and exercise (EX) in healthy older adults. However, these associations are still unclear for older hypertensive adults, who require greater care from health professionals. The purpose of this study was to associate the nutritional status, health risk behaviors, eating habits, and the presence of diabetes with recommended amounts of physical activity and exercise practice of older hypertensive adults.

METHODS

Ten thousand seven hundred eighty-nine older hypertensive adults (70.9 ± 7.4 years) from the VIGITEL telephone survey were classified according to PA levels (insufficiently active/sufficiently active) and EX practice (non-practitioners/practitioners). Binary logistic regression was used to observe the odds ratio (OR) between independent variables (nutritional status [body mass index], sociodemographic characteristics [age/sex/years of study], risk behaviors [screen time/alcohol/tobacco consumption], eating habits [minimally/ultra-processed foods consumption score], and the presence of diabetes) with recommended amounts of PA/EX (dependent variable).

RESULTS

Highest nutritional status (OR_PA = 0.975 [95%-CI: 0.965 - 0.985]; OR_EX = 0.981[95%-CI: 0.972 - 0.991]), age (OR_PA = 0.955 [95%-CI: 0.949 - 0.961]; OR_EX = 0.980[95%-CI: 0.975 - 0.986]), screen time (OR_PA = 0.909[95%-CI: 0.835 - 0.990]), alcohol consumption (OR_PA = 0.683[95%-CI: 0.621 - 0.758]; OR_EX = 0.702[95%-CI: 0.637 - 0.779]), tobacco (OR_PA = 0.601 [95%-CI: 0.492 - 0.736]; OR_EX = 0.464[95%-CI: 0.384 - 0.562]) ultra-processed foods consumption score (OR_PA = 0.896[95%-CI: 0.871 - 0.921]; OR_EX = 0.886[95%-CI: 0.863 - 0.909]) and having diabetes (OR_PA = 0.780[95%-CI: 0.708 - 0.859]; OR_EX = 0.831[95%-CI: 0.759 - 0.909]) reduced the odds of being sufficiently active/practicing exercise (p < 0.05). Male sex (OR_PA = 1.633[95%-CI: 1.491 - 1.789]; OR_EX = 1.247[95%-CI: 1.140 - 1.363]), years of study (OR_PA = 1.026[95%-CI: 1.018 - 1.035]; OR_EX = 1.050[95%-CI: 1.041 - 1.058]), and minimally processed foods consumption score increased the odds of being sufficiently active/practicing exercise (OR_PA = 1.132[95%-CI: 1.109 - 1.155]; OR_EX = 1.167[95%-CI: 1.145 - 1.191], respectively; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Nutritional status, health risk behaviors, eating habits, and the presence of diabetes were associated with the odds of older hypertensive adults complying with PA and EX recommendations. The results may help health professionals understand how these factors are associated with the changes of older hypertensive adults participating in physical activity and exercise.

The Italian Cilentana goat breed: productive performances and economic perspectives of goat farming in marginal areas

In the internal areas of Cilento, province of Salerno (Campania), the Cilentana, a small native goat breed population, is reared quite widespread, due to its dual-purpose attitude and to its typical productions. The extensive livestock system adopted for this breed allows the use of otherwise abandoned territories and a sustainable farming capable of ensuring high-quality levels. In addition, Cilentana goat farming represents an important source of income for the local communities and also preserves the territory itself guaranteeing the protection of biodiversity and the conservation of local activities that have a historical tradition. The aim of this study is twofold: give an overview of Cilentana breed morphological and productive traits linked to the historical and gastronomic tradition of the area and emphasize the economic role of this breed in the perspective of the ongoing new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) rules.

Clinical Status, Nutritional Behavior, and Lifestyle, and Determinants of Community Well-Being of Patients from the Perspective of Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study of Young Older Adults, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians in Salerno and Province, Italy

Longevity is rightly considered one of the greatest achievements of modern society. Biomedical research has shown that aging is the major risk factor for many diseases, so to find the right answers to aging it is necessary to identify factors that can positively influence longevity. This study investigated the clinical status, nutritional behavior, lifestyle, and social and community determinants of the well-being of young older adults and nonagenarians/centenarians in Salerno and province through the judgment of their physicians. Data were collected through an online survey. Multivariate Poisson and logistic regression models were used to calculate significant predictors of the outcomes of interest. The interesting finding was that cardiovascular disease was a risk factor for young older adults, while it was a protective factor for nonagenarians/centenarians, meaning that as age increased, heart problems tended to decrease. Certain foods were found to be a significant protective factor for both young older adult and nonagenarian-centenarian patients. In addition, psychosomatic disorders were found to be determinant for the young older adults, while depression was a risk factor for the nonagenarians/centenarians because they were not always gratified by their long lives and often felt like a burden on the family. The protective significant variable among the determinants of community well-being for both young older adults and nonagenarians/centenarians was the retention of honorary achievement. Based on our results, we are able to support the hypothesis of a difference between the young older adults and the nonagenarians/centenarians in clinical status, nutritional behaviors, lifestyle, and determinants of community well-being. However, societies need more social and educational programs that are able to build "a new idea of old age" by improving and supporting the young older adults and the nonagenarians/centenarians, with the goal of intergenerational solidarity, well-being, and social inclusion, as well as preventive interventions on lifestyles and nutrition, which will allow us to provide a new key to understanding aging.