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Aging successfully until death in old age: opportunities for increasing active life expectancy
S G Leveille1, J M Guralnik, L Ferrucci
1Epidemiology, Demography, and Biometry Program, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|April 7, 1999
Summary
Maintaining physical activity in older adults can significantly increase the likelihood of dying without disability. This research highlights that avoiding disability in late life is achievable through regular moderate exercise.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Disability in very old age is a significant concern for individuals and healthcare systems.
- Understanding factors that influence disability near the end of life is crucial for promoting healthy aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of remaining disability-free in the year preceding death among the very old.
- To identify predictors associated with dying without disability.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving men and women aged 65+ from three US communities (1981-1991).
- Analysis of 1,097 individuals who died, focusing on disability status within 15 months of death.
- Statistical modeling to assess predictors of remaining nondisabled before death.
Main Results:
- The probability of a 65-year-old man dying nondisabled was 26% (surviving to 80), and for a woman, it was 18% (surviving to 85).
- Higher levels of physical activity were strongly associated with a reduced likelihood of disability before death (OR=1.86).
- The most physically active group had nearly double the odds of dying without disability compared to sedentary individuals.
Conclusions:
- Disability prior to death is not an inevitable outcome of aging.
- Moderate physical activity is a key modifiable factor that may help prevent disability in late life.
- Promoting physical activity can contribute to a better quality of life in very old age.