Is There Successful Aging for Nonagenarians? The Vitality 90+ Study

Abstract

Objectives. This study was designed (1) to estimate the prevalence of successful aging among nonagenarians based on six different models and (2) to investigate whether successful aging is associated with socio-demographic factors. Methods. A mailed survey was conducted with people aged 90+ in Tampere in 2010. Responses were received from 1283 people. The prevalence of successful aging was measured by six multidimensional models including physical, social, and psychological components. Age, sex, marital status, level of education, and place of living were studied as factors associated with successful aging. Results. The prevalence of successful aging varied from 1.6% to 18.3% depending on the model applied. Successful aging was more prevalent in men, and also more prevalent among community-living people. In most models, successful aging was also associated with younger age, being married, and a higher level of education. Discussion. Models which emphasize the absence of disease and activity as criteria for successful aging may not be the most relevant and applicable in oldest old. Instead, preference should be given to models that focus more on autonomy, adaptation and sense of purpose. Age-sensitive approaches would help us better understand the potential of successful aging among individuals who already have success in longevity.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of active and healthy aging (AHA) in octogenarian men

“…For example, in the large Whitehall study [18], all participants were younger than 80 years, whereas in the Vitality 90? study successful aging was studied cross-sectionally in nonagenarian individuals [17]. There are actually few studies that have combined long follow-up, advanced age up to 90 years and both objective and subjective dimensions of AHA as in the present study.…”

“…This concept involves that it is possible to ''pack'' human suffering, disabilities and illnesses to a minimum period at the end of lifespan and thus expand the healthy life span. In rapidly aging societies, AHA is important from both individual and societal perspectives, but studies about this as a multi-dimensional phenomenon are still relatively few [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. Long-term follow-up up until very old age is essential and many cohorts are yet approaching a stage where most participants are octogenarians and older.…”

Envelhecimento bem-sucedido em idosos longevos: uma revisão integrativa

“…Apenas o estudo Vitality 90+ incluiu um elemento a mais para análise, que foi a avaliação dos sentidos (audição e visão). 13,14 O componente social também foi amplamente utilizado, ficando ausente em apenas um artigo. 15 Entretanto, observa-se formas bastante diversas para avaliar esse componente.…”

“…15 Entretanto, observa-se formas bastante diversas para avaliar esse componente. Desta maneira, Nostary et al 13,14 consideraram a frequência de encontros com crianças e de conversa ao telefone com familiares ou amigos. Formiga et al 4 O componente biomédico foi unânime entre todos os autores e incluía, além da funcionalidade e da cognição preservada, ausência de doenças significativas.…”

“…19 Isso é claramente observado em muito idosos, assim, os modelos de EBS nessa população não devem ser focados nos aspectos físicos. A ênfase deve ser dada aos modelos que 13,14 A escolha da temática relevante e atual foi um dos pontos fortes desta revisão, uma vez que existe um crescimento significativo de idosos longevos no Brasil com a perspectiva de incremento nas próximas décadas com o aumento da expectativa de vida da população. Além de ser uma área ainda pouco investigada.…”