Is positive affect associated with survival? A population-based study of elderly persons

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Conflicting evidence exists regarding the association between positive affect and survival.
• Previous studies may be confounded by factors like negative affect, health status, and age variations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if positive affect predicts survival.
• To determine if this association persists after controlling for confounders.
• To examine if the association between positive affect and survival varies by age.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the population-based Rotterdam Study (1997-2007).
• Included 4,411 participants aged 61 years and older.
• Followed participants for an average of 7.19 years, analyzing survival data with adjustments for covariates and age stratification.

Main Results:

• Positive affect did not show a consistent association with survival across all age groups.
• A significant interaction between positive affect and age on survival was observed (P = 0.02).
• Positive affect independently predicted survival in individuals younger than 80, but not in those aged 80 and older. In the oldest old, baseline health status partially explained this association.

Conclusions:

• The association between positive affect and survival appears to be age-dependent.
• Positive affect may benefit survival in the younger elderly but not in the oldest old.
• In advanced age, perceived positive affect is likely influenced by underlying health conditions.