Characteristics of centenarian studies and variables related to longevity: A narrative review

Studying centenarians requires a “positive biology” approach, where rather than focusing on disease, the research aims to understand the causes of positive phenotypes and explain biological mechanisms of health and longevity. This review outlines the characteristics of the key centenarian studies. Variables that may relate to the longevity of these oldest old are also described, including cardiovascular health, cognitive function, physical ability, mental and cognitive health, personality, and the social circumstances of the centenarian.

Fractura de cadera y artroplastia en adulta mayor centenaria. Reporte de caso y revisión de literatura / Hip fracture and arthroplasty in centenary elderly. Case report and literature review

La fractura de cadera es una patología cuya incidencia ha aumentado drásticamente en proporción al aumento de la población adulta mayor. En los últimos años, los longevos superan los 100 años y son ellos quienes mayoritariamente presentan esta urgencia trauma-tológica, que casi en la totalidad de los casos se presenta posterior a caídas de bajo impacto y requieren resolución quirúrgica. A continuación, se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina centenaria con fractura de cadera que fue sometida a manejo quirúrgico con posterior recuperación funcional parcial. Se resalta que la edad no es una contraindicación quirúrgica.

Hip fracture is a pathology whose incidence has increased dramatically accordingly with population aging. In recent years, the long-lived have exceeded 100 years. They are who mostly present this traumatic emergency, which almost in all cases occurs after low-impact falls and requires surgical resolution.We expose the case of a centennial female patient presenting with a hip fracture and undergoing surgical orthopaedic repair. She had a partial functional recovery. Our review shows that age is not a surgical contraindication.

Ansiedad, depresión y sobrecarga en cuidadores de adultos centenarios / Anxiety, depression and work overload in centenarian adults caregivers

Introducción: La asistencia y atención de los adultos centenarios exige las funciones del cuidador principal, que, siendo miembro de la familia o no, asume la responsabilidad del cuidado. Esta actividad posee amplias repercusiones para la salud y bienestar de quien asume el rol, en tanto supone una situación de estrés que incrementa el riesgo de padecer dificultades emocionales. Objetivo: Determinar los niveles de ansiedad, depresión y sobrecarga en cuidadores principales de adultos centenarios. Métodos: Se utilizó un diseño no experimental transversal con alcance exploratorio-descriptivo. La selección de la muestra fue no probabilística o dirigida y quedó conformada por 30 cuidadores principales de adultos centenarios. Se emplearon como técnicas la entrevista, el Inventario de ansiedad rasgo-estado (IDARE), el Inventario de depresión rasgo-estado (IDERE) y la Escala de Zarit. Resultados: Se identificó en los cuidadores un predominio del género femenino en el ejercicio del rol con un rango de edad entre los 53 a 78 años. Se evidenciaron niveles medios en la ansiedad como rasgo y en la ansiedad como estado, aunque no se determinaron diferencias significativas entre los niveles altos y medios de la ansiedad como estado. Se constataron elevados niveles de depresión como estado en los cuidadores no existiendo diferencias significativas entre los niveles altos, medios y bajos de depresión como rasgo. Para la muestra de estudio no se evidencia sobrecarga en el 86,7 por ciento de los cuidadores principales en relación con el ejercicio del rol. Conclusiones: Los cuidadores principales no se perciben sobrecargados y experimentan niveles medios de ansiedad ante situaciones puntuales y generales. Los niveles de la depresión rasgo no presentan diferencias significativas, mientras que la depresión estado manifiesta niveles altos(AU)

Introduction: The care and attention of centenarian adults requires the functions of a primary caregiver, who, being a member of the family or not, assumes that responsibility. It has wide repercussions on the health and well-being of the one who assumes the caring role as well as supposes a situation of stress that increases the risk of suffering emotional difficulties. Objective: To determine levels of anxiety, depression and overload in primary caregivers of centenarian adults. Methods: A non-experimental cross-sectional design with exploratory-descriptive scope. The selection of the sample was non-probabilistic nor directed, is conformed by 30 main caregivers of centenarian adults. The main techniques applied were interviews, the trait-state anxiety inventory (IDARE), the trait-state depression inventory (IDERE) and Zarit's scale. Results: A predominance of the female gender in the exercise of the role was identified in the caregivers with a range between 53 and 78 years old. It were determined average levels of anxiety as a trait and state, although no significant differences were found between the high and medium levels of anxiety as a state. There were high levels of depression as a condition in the caregivers, but no significant differences between the high, medium and low levels of depression as a trait. In this study sample, the 86.7 percent of caregivers does not presents work overload in relation to the exercise of their role. Conclusions: Primary caregivers are not perceived as overloaded and experience average levels of anxiety in specific and general situations. The levels of the depression trait do not present significant differences whereas the depression state showed high levels(AU)

Functional capacity and level of physical activity in centenarians of florianópolis, brazil / Functional capacity and level of physical activity in centenarians of florianópolis, brazil

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare the level of physical activity and functional capacity of centenarians from Florianopolis, Brazil. To measure the level of physical activity and functional capacity, pedometer and the Katz scale, respectively, were used. Study participants were 23 centenarians (101.7 ± 2.0 years). The results shown an average of 641.23 (SD = 655.83) steps/day among subjects was observed. Although independent centenarians (n = 15) presented higher average number of steps/day (813.53, SD = 715.97) compared to dependent ones (n = 8) (318.15, SD = 378, 98), no statistically significant difference was observed (U = 33.000, p = 0.087). Conclusions: the level of physical activity of dependent and independent centenarians did not differ statistically. Nevertheless, descriptive analysis shows that the number of steps was higher in independent centenarians, suggesting that they may have a more active lifestyle.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o nível de atividade física com a capacidade funcional de centenários do município de Florianópolis, Brasil. Utilizou-se o pedômetro para a mensurar o nível de atividade física e a Escala de Katz para a capacidade funcional. Participaram 23 idosos (101,7 ± 2,0 anos). Verificou-se a média de 641,23 (DP=655,83) passos/dia entre os idosos. Apesar de os idosos independentes (n=15) terem apresentado maior média de número de passos/dia (813,53; DP=715,97) em relação aos idosos dependentes (n=8) (318,15; DP=378,98), não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa (U= 33,000; p= 0,087). Conclui-se que o nível de atividade física de centenários dependentes e independentes não diferem estatisticamente. Apesar disso, a análise descritiva mostra que o número de passos foi maior nos centenários independentes, sugerindo que os mesmos podem ter um estilo de vida mais ativo.

China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study: study design and preliminary results / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To investigate the health status,functional ability,mental psychology,health care and other longevity-related characteristics of individuals aged ≥ 100 years as well as risk factors in Hainan province,China.Methods China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study (CHCCS) is a community-based,prospective cohort study to establish multi-dimensional database consisting of questionnaire findings,anthropometric parameters and biological specimens as well as imaging features.With the household registration information provided by the Department of Civil Affairs of Hainan province,a baseline survey was conducted in centenarians in 18 counties in Hainan with the oldest old in 5 counties as controls between 2014 and 2017.The survey included face to face interview,physical examination and biological specimen collection.After the baseline survey,the participants of CHCCS were followed up at an interval of 2 years to collect the information about their living status,disease status or major death causes.Results According to the information provided by the Department of Civil Affairs of Hainan province in 2014,the survey found that 1 473 centenarians were still living.By December 2016,1 002 of them had agreed to be surveyed.The average age of 722 centenarians with complete information in the baseline survey was (102.7± 2.7) years,the majority of them were females (83.0％),widows (88.8％),in Han ethnic group (84.5％),lived with family members (87.8％),illiterates (89.7％) and farmers (81.0％).Conclusion CHCCS has provided longevity-related information of the large longevity population and collected the valuable and rare biological specimens with great urgency to establish an interdisciplinary platform and base for longevity,senility and healthy aging research.

China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study: study design and preliminary results / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To investigate the health status,functional ability,mental psychology,health care and other longevity-related characteristics of individuals aged ≥ 100 years as well as risk factors in Hainan province,China.Methods China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study (CHCCS) is a community-based,prospective cohort study to establish multi-dimensional database consisting of questionnaire findings,anthropometric parameters and biological specimens as well as imaging features.With the household registration information provided by the Department of Civil Affairs of Hainan province,a baseline survey was conducted in centenarians in 18 counties in Hainan with the oldest old in 5 counties as controls between 2014 and 2017.The survey included face to face interview,physical examination and biological specimen collection.After the baseline survey,the participants of CHCCS were followed up at an interval of 2 years to collect the information about their living status,disease status or major death causes.Results According to the information provided by the Department of Civil Affairs of Hainan province in 2014,the survey found that 1 473 centenarians were still living.By December 2016,1 002 of them had agreed to be surveyed.The average age of 722 centenarians with complete information in the baseline survey was (102.7± 2.7) years,the majority of them were females (83.0％),widows (88.8％),in Han ethnic group (84.5％),lived with family members (87.8％),illiterates (89.7％) and farmers (81.0％).Conclusion CHCCS has provided longevity-related information of the large longevity population and collected the valuable and rare biological specimens with great urgency to establish an interdisciplinary platform and base for longevity,senility and healthy aging research.

Presencia de factores de riesgo de malnutrición en centenarios diabéticos / Presence of malnutrition risk factors in diabetic centenarians

Fundamentos: estudiar a los centenarios es la mejor forma de comprender la longevidad satisfactoria y poder establecer un modelo del envejecimiento con éxito, pero también es el estudio de la historia de sus contribuciones, desafíos y triunfos. Se evaluó el estado nutricional de los centenarios diabéticos así como se exploraron variables relacionadas con la enfermedad y factores de riesgo de malnutrición seleccionados. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal donde se estudiaron en 35 centenarios diabéticos de La Habana, el índice de masa corporal, problemas dentales, bajos ingresos económicos, inmovilidad, polifarmacia, deterioro cognitivo, hábito de fumar y de ingerir bebidas alcohólicas. Se calcularon las medias y desviaciones estándar. Resultados: predominaron las mujeres con respecto a los hombres; se distribuyeron según la edad entre los 100 y 104 años. Los centenarios diabéticos no mostraron afectación del estado nutricional para los problemas dentales, bajos ingresos económicos, polifarmacia y sí para el deterioro cognitivo, la dificultad en las actividades diarias, ingestión de bebidas alcohólicas. Conclusiones: los centenarios diabéticos presentaron dificultad en las actividades diarias, ingestión de bebidas alcohólicas, deterioro cognitivo, mostraron desnutrición. Para este último se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa con la circunferencia de la pantorrilla. El resto de los factores de riesgo de malnutrición estudiados no tuvieron implicación en el estado nutricional de los centenarios diabéticos.

Background: studying centenarians is the best way to understand the successful longevity and to establish a successful aging model, but it is also the study of the history of their contributions, challenges and triumphs. The nutritional status of diabetic centenarians was assessed and, there also were explored selected variables related with the disease and malnutrition risk factors. Methods: it was carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study, studying body mass index, dental problems, low incomes, immobility, polypharmacotherapy, cognitive impairment, smoking and alcoholic consumption in 35 diabetic centenarians of La Habana province. Media and standard deviation were calculated. Results: women predominated over men; centenarians were distributed according to age between 100 and 104 years. Diabetic centenarians showed no impairment of their nutritional status for dental problems, low incomes or polypharmacotherapy, but their nutritional status was harmed for cognitive impairment, disability and alcohol consumption. Conclusions: diabetic centenarians showed disabilities for their daily activities, alcohol consumption, cognitive impairment and malnutrition. For the last parameter, it was found a statistically significant association with calf circumference. The rest of the studied malnutrition risk factors had no involvement in the nutritional status of diabetic centenarians.

Successful Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a Centenarian Patient With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Despite an increasing prevalence and burden of disease in the elderly, little is known about the management and outcomes of acute coronary syndromes in this group. We report the case of a 101-year-old female patient with a non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography showed a total occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery (RCA), and a significant stenosis in the proximal to mid left anterior descending artery (LAD). Despite a very poor initial clinical status, a percutaneous coronary intervention was successfully performed for the total occlusion in the RCA. The LAD lesion was treated with medical therapy only, on account of the age and general condition of the patient. She was discharged after recovering to a good health status, free of chest pain or dyspnea.

Activities of Daily Living and Health-Related Quality of Life HRQoL of Centenarians in Busan / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to identify the relationships among age, activities of daily living and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for centenarians in Busan. METHODS: Forty-nine centenarians (2 males and 47 females) participated in the study, done from April to July, 2006. Pace-to-face interviews were used to collect data. Activities of daily living were measured using K-ADL, K-IADL and health-related quality of life, using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: Over 50% of the centenarians reported independence for six-items but not for bathing. With regard to type of dependency, 77.6% were independent in transferring, 71.4%, in using the toilet, 67.3%, in feeding and in continence and 57.1% in dressing but just 24.5% were independent in bathing. Age was significantly associated with K-IADL (r= -.303, p= .03). The centenarians were more impaired in physical health components compared to mental health components for health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: These results may contribute to a better understanding of activities of daily living and health-related quality of life of centenarians. The findings are relevant to health professionals, in particular professionals who are developing wellness programs to optimize health-related quality of life and functional status for the extremely old age population.

A Study of Dermatosis and Characteristics of the skin in the Super-old ages and Centenarians / 대한피부과학회지

The increased aging of the population in the developed world is an accepted fact. Consequently, the number of patients aged 90 years or above (super-old age: from 90 to 99), and centenarians (above 100) will increase in the coming years. The objective was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of skin diseases in the population of super-old ages and centenarians. A total of 50 volunteers, aged from 90 to 106 years, were enrolled on this study. They completed a questionnaire about skin diseases and underwent a cutaneous examination during the period of July 26 to 30, and Aug 23 to 28, 2004. The average age of the volunteers was 96.3 years. 28 volunteers were women and 22 were men. The common diseases were found to be senile lentigo, seborrheic keratosis, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, xerosis, telangiectasia, onychomycosis, tinea pedis, and cherry hemangioma. Wrinkle grading of men was less severe than in women. The degree of pigmentation was independent of age and sex. However, activity and pigmentation scale showed a significant statistical correlation. Gray hair and alopecia in men was more severe than in women. As for aging factors, smoking, activity, location, and occupation did not appear to play an important role in wrinkle formation. The incidence of skin disorders increased with age, due to changes in skin structure and lifelong exposure to environmental aggravations. Super-old aged people often have many skin diseases. However, only a small number of volunteers were included in this study. Therefore, further dermatologic studies need to be conducted.

Cognitive Functions of Korean Elders Over 100 Years of Age

BACKGROUND: Almost no study has been carried out to explore the cognitive characteristics of the oldest old population in Korea, even though Korean society is becoming very 'old'. The purpose of this study is to the examine basic cognitive functions of Korean elders over 100 years of age. METHODS: Data collection was completed with 87 elders, 12 males and 75 females. Their mean age was 103.2 for males and 102.3 for females. The average year of education for this population was less than 1 year(0.5 year). We evaluated cognitive functions by K-MMSE and the severity of dementia by CDR (Clinical Dementia Rating). RESULTS: Most of them were able to speak fluently(81.6%) and had reasonable vision(67.8%), but 55.2 % of subjects had full comprehension ability. There was no significant difference in results between elders from Seoul and from other country area. We have divided the sample population into 5 groups according to CDR score; 0(7.4%), 0.5(33.3%), 1(25.9%), 2(14.8%), 3(18.5%), to compare with K-MMSE score. There were significant differences in K-MMSE scores between CDR groups. DISCUSSION: About 7% of elders over 100 years of age are still maintaining normal cognitive function. Considering the physical handicaps of the subjects, probable dementia group(30%) can also be regarded as to possess near normal cognitive function. This study is the first study on Korean centenarians and will provide essential data for future studies on the oldest old.