Changing Aging

A new study hit the American Journal of Public Health, providing insights on China’s oldest-old (80 to 105).  The research of more than 13,000 people was done by Dr. Matthew Dupre of Duke University Medical Center while he was at the University of North Carolina.  According to the study:

- Today nearly 20 percent of the world’s population 80 and older lives in China, and by 2050, Chinese are expected to account for more than 25 percent of the world’s oldest old.

- Most of the individuals studied were not disabled or cognitively impaired.
- Most were free of chronic disease.
- Most said they “looked at the bright side.”
- Rural women - likely the most disadvantaged group  in China - showed the greatest longevity benefit from being optimistic.
- For urban men and women, living in larger households was associated with longevity, suggesting that residing with one’s children, or grandchildren, might extend lifespan.
- While most of China’s oldest citizens eat veggies and have a positive outlook, many are also living in poverty, have little education, and even smoke and drink.
- Fewer than 1 percent of Chinese 80 and older are living in nursing homes or other institutions; most are cared for in their communities and by family members.