Cognitive Function and Independence in the Oldest-Old: Review Study Based on Aging in Place

Abstract

Some older adults desire to continue living in the community in which they reside. The concept of Aging in Place (AIP) is appropriate for this idea. For AIP to be successful, the oldest-old need to demonstrate their abilities and live safely, independently, and comfortably in their homes and communities. Conversely, AIP in an inappropriate manner, without a safe environment, and without support provided, comprising dangerous situations caused by declining cognitive and physical function, lead to reduced quality of life for older people. Therefore, this study aimed to examine cognitive function in the oldest-old to understand differences between normal aging and cognitive decline due to dementia. Cognitive decline due to normal aging in the oldest-old is caused by impaired frontal lobe function, while decline due to Alzheimer's disease is caused by impaired temporalparietal lobe function, suggesting that this impairment may be useful for achieving independence for AIP.

Editorial: Lifelong Sciences

“…In the review article by Takiguchi et al (2023), the authors successfully showed that leisure activity as a part of human lifestyles had beneficial effects on positive psychological states and cognitive functions in early life stages, and that the benefit of leisure activity was long lasting in mitigating psychological vulnerability and cognitive decline in older adults. The review article by Eguchi et al (2023) summarized features of cognitive functions and activities of daily living in oldest-old individuals, and proposed possible means of support for them to continue living in their communities. Implications from these review studies by Takiguchi et al (2023) and Eguchi et al (2023) add to the understanding of biological, psychological and social factors that support the "cognitive reserve" (Stern, 2002) in a super-aging society.…”

“…The review article by Eguchi et al (2023) summarized features of cognitive functions and activities of daily living in oldest-old individuals, and proposed possible means of support for them to continue living in their communities. Implications from these review studies by Takiguchi et al (2023) and Eguchi et al (2023) add to the understanding of biological, psychological and social factors that support the "cognitive reserve" (Stern, 2002) in a super-aging society.…”