[New special research data on over 100-year-old and older probands and problems (II)]

The critical evaluation of all so-called correlation factors of the absolute longevity of centenarians lead to the assumption that those of extreme age among the oldest elderly remain as a biological selection of the total population. Due to an unfavorable biological total constellation, the comparable oldest elderly have already died. To solve these selection problems, research reports in this country and abroad are helpful in relation to this special category of centenarians. New findings in laboratory diagnostics, the genetic privileged position of long-living persons regarding their expectancy re arteriosclerosis, as well as the modern molecular biological and neuropathological cerebral studies of deceased persons of the oldest category can be regarded in the sense of a selection of elderly people. The characteristics of the central nervous system, the cardiovascular and pulmonary system of the elderly, give an indication (e.g., of a 100-years-old smoker) of the extreme living conditions of the oldest elderly. A large number of curiosities found in the literature and personally observed unexplainable findings illustrate the remarkable lifestyle of individually selected oldest elderly. The final section discusses the biological, social and psychological special position of the oldest elderly.