Psycho-social predictors of survival among centenarians

In this paper, we identified predictors of extreme survival among a group of 137 centenarians (75.9% women) participating in the Georgia Centenarian Study, of whom 21 were still living as of March 15, 1999. At the time of initial testing, centenarians had a mean age of 100.8 years with a range from 99 to 110 years. Cox regression models were used to identify significant predictors of mortality. Results suggest that men, Whites, and those with greater PADL impairments had higher risks of mortality. Two surprising findings also emerged. Those with greater triceps skinfold measures, and those with lower verbal IQs had lower risks of mortality. Among centenarians, the latter two findings may actually reflect better nutritional status and lower blood pressure, respectively. Thus, even in extreme old age, individual characteristics continue to exert systematic influences on survival.

Duke Scholars

Author Ilene C. Siegler Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neur ...