Predictors of successful aging: a twelve-year study of Manitoba elderly.

Abstract

In Manitoba, Canada, a representative cohort of elderly individuals ages 65 to 84 (n = 3,573) were interviewed in 1971 and the survivors of this cohort were reinterviewed in 1983. This analysis assesses the determinants of successful aging--whether or not an individual will live to an advanced age, continue to function well at home, and remain mentally alert. Over 100 separate indicators of demographic and socio-economic status, social supports, health and mental status in 1971 were available as potential predictors of successful aging. Indicators of access to health care over the period 1970-82 and indicators of diseases over this period were also available as predictors. Those who aged successfully were shown to have greater satisfaction with life in 1983 and to have made fewer demands on the health care system than those who aged less well. Despite the large number of potential predictors of successful aging which were examined, only age, four measures of health status, two measures of mental status, and not having one's spouse die or enter a nursing home were shown to be predictive of successful aging.

High blood pressure in middle age is associated with a future decline in activities of daily living. NIPPON DATA80

“…[6][7][8][9][10][11][12] However, most of these studies investigated elderly populations. [6][7][8][9] Studies focusing on the relation between BP measured at middle age and future Definition of BP categories are described in Table 2. b Adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (o18.5, 18.5-24.9, 25 kg m À2 ), and smoking (current, ex-smoker), drinking (daily, occasional, ex-drinker), diabetes, total cholesterol and albumin.…”

“…[6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Furthermore, these studies primarily included elderly participants. [6][7][8][9] Only a few studies have examined the relation of BP measured at middle age and future disability, 11,12 and no studies have reported on the contribution of BP to impaired ADL. Furthermore, if we combined impaired ADL and deaths together, we can calculate the relation of BP with being alive without impaired ADL.…”

Health benefits: Meta-analytically determining the impact of well-being on objective health outcomes

“…As males and females differ physiologically, gender differences may impact the role that well-being plays. For example, females typically live longer than males; yet males who reach older age are often both physically healthier than females, and suffer from fewer psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression (Guralnik & Kaplan, 1989;Roos & Havens, 1991;Strawbridge, Cohen, Shema, & Kaplan, 1996). Thus, if those males who experience longevity also report less negative affect and more happiness, then it is possible that well-being plays a role in the observed gender differences in health outcomes for elderly samples.…”

The loss of independence in activities of daily living: the role of low normal cognitive function in elderly nuns.

“…)"'I Higher education is linked to better physical performance and lower risk of disability.5-9"- [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Age and cducation have also been related to cognitive function and the risk of dementia in elderly people. 2' -22 Cognitive function decreases with age, while the prevalence of dementia increases.…”