Successful aging: implications for oral health

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Geriatric Dentistry
• Public Health

Background:

• The field of gerontology is shifting from a focus on age-related declines to an emphasis on "successful" or "robust" aging.
• This paradigm shift is informed by studies like the MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging, investigating factors crucial for maintaining health and function in older adults.
• Common predictors of robust aging include physical and cognitive activity, social engagement, and disease avoidance, relevant to the growing population of the oldest old.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the concept of successful aging and its implications across different health domains.
• To draw parallels between systemic successful aging and oral health in older adults.
• To highlight trends in improved health and quality of life among newer cohorts of older adults through epidemiologic data.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal examination of a large cohort of independent elders across physical, cognitive, emotional, and social parameters.
• Review of epidemiologic studies focusing on predictors of robust aging.
• Analysis of trends in oral health and natural dentition retention in aging populations.

Main Results:

• Key predictors for successful aging identified include maintaining physical and cognitive activity, social connections, and disease prevention.
• Emerging evidence shows a "compression of morbidity" phenomenon in successive cohorts.
• Successful aging is increasingly evident in geriatric dentistry, with more older adults retaining natural teeth.

Conclusions:

• A paradigm shift towards successful aging is critical in gerontology and geriatric dentistry.
• Maintaining systemic health and oral health are interconnected aspects of successful aging.
• Epidemiologic studies demonstrate improved health outcomes and quality of life in contemporary older adult cohorts, underscoring the importance of proactive health behaviors.