Analyzing functional status and its correlates in Chinese centenarians: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Independence in activities of daily living (ADL) is crucial for older adults.
• Research on factors affecting ADL independence in centenarians is limited.
• Centenarians represent a unique demographic for studying aging processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the status of basic and instrumental ADL independence in Chinese centenarians.
• To identify factors associated with ADL independence in this population.
• To inform interventions aimed at promoting healthy aging in the oldest old.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study design.
• Utilized Population Study of ChINese Elderly (PINE) instruments for ADL, physical activity, mobility, and physical performance assessment.
• Assessed demographics and cognitive function.

Main Results:

• 57% of 228 centenarians were independent in basic ADL; only 5.7% were independent in instrumental ADL.
• Physical activity, cognition, calf circumference, and self-reported health predicted basic ADL independence.
• Physical activity, mobility, cognition, and physical performance predicted instrumental ADL independence.

Conclusions:

• Chinese centenarians exhibit preserved basic ADL function but significant deficits in instrumental ADL.
• Physical activity and cognitive function are strongly associated with ADL independence in centenarians.
• Targeting physical activity and cognitive health may enhance independence in very old adults.