Predictors of mortality in old age : contribution of self-rated health, physical functions, life satisfaction and social support on survival among older people
Year: 2006
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Length of life is perhaps the best single indicator of the health of a population. The purpose of the present series of studies was to explore the potential predictors of mortality in older people with special emphasis on self-rated health, physical functions, life satisfaction and perceived social support.The four studies used prospective data drawn from 1) the Evergreen study, where mortality was followed for 10 years in an entire cohort of the 75- and 80-year-old (N=650) residents of the city of Jyväskylä, Finland, 2) the Functional capacity of men born in 1906-10, 1926-30 and 1946-50 research project from which two oldest age cohorts, 257 residents of the city of Jyväskylä, Finland aged 51 to 55 and 71 to 75 years were included and where mortality was followed for 18 years, and 3) The OCTO-twin study, a longitudinal study of intact pairs of Swedish same-sex octogenarian twins, of whom 320 individuals participated in this study. Mortality was followed for 10 years.The data were collected by interviews and tests in the participant’s homes and by examinations at the study centre, which included a health check-up and tests of physical, cognitive and sensory performance. The Cox regression model and its applications were used as statistical methods.The main findings of these studies imply that psychosocial factors are strong predictors of survival in old age. Perceived social support is important for the health of older women as well as perceived satisfaction with present life in old-old people. Poor results in several performance-based physiological measures feature as strong predictors of mortality in old age. The predictive value of self-rated health could be explained by the occurrence of chronic conditions, but not by different domains of functioning.A deeper understanding of the predictors of mortality in old age gives information that is useful in identifying risk groups and developing programmes for preventive actions. The results of the present studies suggest that, in addition to improving the physical capacity of older people, it is also essential to promote their perceived social support and psychological well-being in order to improve their quality of life and their health as measured by the most comprehensive indicator of health, survival.
Author: Tiina-Mari Lyyra
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2198893820