Centenarians were the subject of 6 posters at the IAGG conference.
Y Gondo (Osaka) studied the functional status of semi-supercentenarians, those who have survived beyond 105 years of age, in order to determine whether those reaching this age were frail survivors or different from those who reach age 100. This study shows that only those who are “highly functional” at 100 (!) reach 105 and that they may well harbor genes that confer extreme longevity.
M. Roszkowska (Warsaw) studied the cardiovascular genetics of 148 centenarians and concluded that they had lower presence of risk factors observed in younger myocardial infarction patients.
J McCormack (Melbourne) studied 109 centenarians in Australia. They are predominantly female and widowed. 65% are aware of time and place; 60% are mobile. 51% are continent. They are not necessarily more disabled than nonagenarians.
K Szczerbinska (Krakow) found that the prevalance of depression symptoms decreased in centenarians compared to patients age 65 and over, and in particular if the centenarian remained in homecare. The author noted nonetheless that under-treatment of depression in the aged seemed to be frequent.
Y. Son (Busan) studied Korean centenarians and observed that they generally live with their oldest child and derive strong support from the family.
S. Freeman (Sendai) studied the burden of Japanese caregivers, noting that they were not necessarily more burdened by centenarians than for other age groups.
Commentary: Research on centenarians should be encouraged, as it sheds light on a combination of genetic, behavioral, environmental factors that favor longevity. We have only scratched the surface of the subject. But we can already say that the centenarian studies enable us to confirm the factors that favor longevity, even in those whose genetic composition is not ideal. These factors include lifestyle, exercise, proper nutrition, psychological outlook, family support system…No surprises and yet, so often undervalued. A further note which was common to many of the papers presented at the IAGG: the diversity of the aged. Chronological and biological age are indeed often quite different.
Put down that dessert, get on your bikes, and smile!
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