Hypertension in a group of centenarians.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of hypertension in a group of extremely old persons: 73 centenarians resident in Calabria were studied, aged 100-110 years, (mean age 102.95 +/- 2.0), 54 women (73.9%) and 19 men (26.1%), in the period January 1st and April 30th, 1994. All the centenarians were visited at their homes. Hypertensive centenarians were 14 (19.1%), women 12 (85.7%) and men 2 (14.3%). Even if blood pressure progressively increases with age, we have not found it in centenarians. The lesser frequency of hypertension in centenarians certainly depends on genetic and constitutional factors, but also their way of life and alimentary habits (decreased sodium intake, increase of calcium and potassium intake), as we have proven in a recent work, could be determinant. Moreover, the presence of hypertensive centenarians might mean that hypertension does not prevent to reach an age by far above the average, if it is the only risk factor.

Multidimensional evaluation in a group of centenarians.

A group of 40 Calabrian centenarians (12 males, 28 females) was studied from June 1 to December 31, 1993. Their age was ranging from 100 to 107 years (mean age: 102.3 +/- 1.8 years). Clinical evaluation was performed by recording anamnestic data, an objective examination, and by assessing cognitive performance, emotional and nutritional status, as well as functional activity. The following tests were applied: mini mental state examination (MMSE), geriatric depression scale (CDS), activity of daily living (ADL), and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL). The nutritional status was estimated by collecting answers to a questionnaire regarding nutritional habits and by measuring body weight, height and calculating body mass index (BMI). In assessment of the socio-economic conditions, the following parameters were considered: years of education, type of job, type of residence ownership, heating system used, toilet set available and the regular income. Our multidimensional evaluation has revealed, in agreement with other findings, that the Calabrian centenarians seem to be a selected population with an amazingly high activity, who overcame severe age-dependent diseases, probably because of their genetic pattern and of the environmental factors which may favor longevity.