Predicted factors for older Taiwanese to be healthy octogenarians: Results of an 18-year national cohort study

To identify factors that predict the 62-69 years old Taiwanese to be healthy octogenarians.

We analyzed the 1989 (baseline), and 2003 and 2007 (end-point) datasets of the Taiwan Longitudinal Survey on Aging, a national cohort study. A total of 1977 participants aged 62-69 years at baseline were tracked for 14-18 years. The outcome measure was "being healthy octogenarians", defined as participants who were aged ≥80 years, free from activities of daily living dependency, depressive symptoms or cognitive impairment, and able to provide social support. A logistic regression model was used to identify the predictors.

The results showed that higher educational level, conjugal living, absence of smoking or betel quid chewing, moderate alcohol drinking, routine physical activity, more leisure activities, no hypertension, no diabetes, sleeping well and satisfied with economic condition were the positive predictors for becoming a healthy octogenarian.

Using a multidimensional criterion, the present study identified a list of factors in predicting older Taiwanese becoming healthy octogenarians. The findings highlight the need to identify potential factors for various populations. Many of the predictors are modifiable factors. The present results would be valuable for planning effective health promotion strategies to achieve healthy aging for older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2579-2585.