Long-range antecedents of functional capability in later life
1Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University, USA.
Journal of Aging and Health
|January 7, 1998
Summary
Long-term predictors of physical function in old age differ by gender. Lifestyle and health factors significantly impact women
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Functional limitation in aging populations is a growing concern.
- Identifying long-range precursors of physical function is crucial for interventions.
- Previous research has explored various risk factors for functional decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine long-range antecedents of physical functional capability in 1991.
- To investigate gender differences in the predictors of functional decline.
- To develop and compare predictive models for men and women.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 16-year longitudinal study dataset.
- Analyzed demographic, social, psychological, lifestyle, and health characteristics from 1975.
- Assessed physical functional capability in 1991.
Main Results:
- A complex model predicted 35% of functional capability variation in women using 1975 data (age, self-rated health, functional capability, physical activity).
- Predictive factors for men were simpler, with only age and self-rated health accounting for 11% of variation.
- Significant gender disparities were observed in the long-term antecedents of physical function.
Conclusions:
- Gender-specific models are necessary to understand the antecedents of physical functional limitations in later life.
- Lifestyle and health behaviors play a more substantial role in predicting women's functional capability.
- Further research should explore unique pathways influencing male functional decline.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:20Longitudinal Research
Sometimes we want to see how people change over time, as in studies of human development and lifespan. When we test the same group of individuals repeatedly over an extended period of time, we are conducting longitudinal research. Longitudinal research is a research design in which data-gathering is administered repeatedly over an extended period of time. For example, we may survey a group of individuals about their dietary habits at age 20, retest them a decade later at age 30, and then again...
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
01:11Functionalism
William James, John Dewey, and Charles Sanders Peirce were instrumental in founding functional psychology, which draws heavily from Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. This theory suggests that individual traits, including behaviors, are adapted to their environments through natural selection. At the heart of functionalism is the concept of adaptation, meaning that a trait enhances an individual's chances of survival and reproduction.
James envisioned psychology's role as...
James envisioned psychology's role as...
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
01:27Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood
Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development outlines a series of stages through which individuals progress across the lifespan. Each stage involves a psychosocial conflict that significantly influences personal growth and well-being. Three key stages — intimacy versus isolation, generativity versus stagnation, and integrity versus despair — highlight the developmental challenges faced in adulthood.
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early adulthood, from the 20s...
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early adulthood, from the 20s...
01:26Aging
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...