Health and Disease at Age 100: Findings From the Second Heidelberg Centenarian Study

Abstract

German centenarians experienced a substantial number of ill nesses, dominated by sensory and mobility conditions. Cardiovascular diseases were the only potentially lethal illnesses with high prevalence. Evidence of unaddressed pain seems alarming, requiring future research. Emerging health profiles indicate that even in very advanced age, quality of life may be improved by enhanced diagnostics and optimal disease management. Mobility limitations may be addressed with preventive efforts.

Falls and fear of falling in a sample of centenarians: the role of multimorbidity, pain and anxiety

“…This percentage is expected to be even higher in individuals aged 100 and more years old. A recent study with a sample of German centenarians, for instance, showed that more than 70% of the participants reported at least one fall since age the 95 …”

“…Data from international studies show the presence of a variety of medical conditions in centenarians, with cardiovascular (e.g., heart disease), musculoskeletal (e.g., arthritis) and neurological (e.g., dementia) diseases as being the most frequent. 3 Due to these chronic health problems and often comorbid sensory deficits (namely vision and hearing) and mobility problems (balance and poor walking), the probability of incurring a fall is expected to be higher with advancing age. The World Health Organization's most recent report on falls prevention in older age revealed that approximately 28-35% of people aged 65 and over fall each year, a percentage that increases to 32-42% for those over 70 years of age.…”

“…A recent study with a sample of German centenarians, for instance, showed that more than 70% of the participants reported at least one fall since age the 95. 3 Recent reviews on the main risk factors for falling in older adults include history of falls, balance and gait problems, walking aids use, vertigo, Parkinson's disease, polypharmacy and antiepileptic drug use. 7,8 Some empirical studies also highlight the number of diseases as the main risk factor for falls among institutionalised older adults.…”

Periodontal and peri‐implant diseases in centenarians

“…The present Heidelberg Dental Centenarian Study (HD100Z) was designed as a cross-sectional, population-based survey and clinical examination among persons born before 1920, living in a defined area in South-Western Germany. Taking into account the feasible patient recruitment achieved by previous centenarian studies (Biagi et al, 2017;Jopp, Boerner, & Rott, 2016;Kaufman et al, 2014) and due to the exploratory nature of the study, the sample size was set at 50 study participants. The study received ethical approval by the Medical Ethics Committee (S-168/2019) and was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS 00017128).…”

Centenarians' End‐of‐Life Thoughts and Plans: Is Their Social Network on the Same Page?

“…The study sample was drawn from the population-based Second Heidelberg Centenarian Study. 10 The institutional review board of the Faculty of Behavioral and Cultural Studies at Heidelberg University approved the study. For the purpose of the present article, we selected participants (N 5 78) for whom data on centenarian EOL thoughts from the centenarian and a proxy informant were available.…”