Aging in high functioning elderly persons: study design and analyses of behavioral and psychological factors

Abstract

This article aims to (a) describe the study design of a 6‐year follow‐up multidisciplinary research project on aging, (b) report the psychosocial characteristics of the sample in detail, and (c) evaluate aging‐related changes of health, physical activity, and psychosocial characteristics in 10 young‐old (age at pre‐test: M ± SD = 63.2 ± 1.5) and 12 old‐old (age at pre‐test: M ± SD = 69 ± 2) individuals. Both age groups consist of individuals displaying a high health status, a high extent of physical activity, high levels of psychosocial properties in the dimensions of well‐being, life satisfaction, self‐concept, body image, self‐esteem, and self‐efficacy, as well as a low general depression index. Psychosocial characteristics demonstrated a stable pattern over a period of nearly 6 years in both age groups with the exceptions of physical activity, satisfaction with children, general depression, and self‐efficacy. Furthermore, physical self‐concept decreased in old‐old adults, whereas the young‐olds showed no change. We assume that a high psychosocial status and a physically active lifestyle play an important role for mastering aging successfully in two life phases, each of which has its own challenges for older individuals. The decline in the physical self‐concept of old‐olds is interpreted as a first sign of subjective aging. Its association with losses in physical performance should be addressed in future studies. Finally, aging‐related changes should be monitored on an individual level in order to capture the complex dynamic of aging that is not considered in analyses of between‐person differences or averages.

Trajectories of cardio‐metabolic health in successful aging

“…While most subjects decreased their weekly physical activity by ~20%, one individual in the CG had a 3‐fold increase in physical activity. These data cover all types of physical activity that were assessed by questionnaire (ie, gardening, regular exercise, walking etc. ), and does not reveal the intensity of the activity.…”

“…The combined effect of diminished daily physical activity and the age‐related loss of muscle mass and cardiorespiratory fitness is a public health concern. In order to avoid sarcopenia and inactivity‐related cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in the aging population, a crucial time‐point appears to be transition from late mid‐life (<65 years) vs late‐life (>65 years) . At this time‐point, exercise habits should have preferably been established acknowledging the fact that physical activity level at the age of ~70 years is a strong determinant for disability later in life …”

Effect of aging on muscle and tendon properties in highly functioning elderly people

“…Nevertheless, all subjects were highly active regardless of whether they were assigned to the intervention or the control group. Details are provided by Finkenzeller et al …”

“…In contrast to t1, t2, and t3, at the follow‐up test (t4), the participants were asked relating to the time span of the last 5 years. Detailed description of the comprehensive questionnaire is provided in the article on the study design within this supplement …”

The biological and psychosocial aspects of successful aging in high functional elders: A longitudinal study

“…SAES included volunteers above average values in psychological well‐being and psychosocial variables like life satisfaction and self‐concept, with high levels of physical activity. In the first manuscript, Finkenzeller et al report the effects on psychosocial characteristics. Essentially, the participants showed above average psychosocial characteristics in nearly all scales compared to norm data, although some reductions in physical activity, satisfaction with children and self‐efficacy was observed.…”