Regional differences in morbidity profiles and health care use in the oldest old: Findings from two Centenarian Studies in Portugal

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Brandao, D (Author) Other; Ribeiro, O (Author) Other; Afonso, RM (Author) Other; Constança Paúl (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics

Vol. 82

Pages: 139-146

ISSN: 0167-4943

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 6 Citations

Scopus - 6 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Q-89T

DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2019.02.009

Abstract (EN): Background: The worldwide increase of human life expectancy and the rapid aging of the population will contribute to an increasing prevalence of chronic illness. Even so, individuals who reach very advanced ages often postpone or escape age-related diseases that are common causes of death. Objective: This article aims to examine health-related characteristics of two distinct samples of Portuguese centenarians (one predominantly rural - PR vs. one predominantly urban - PU), and explore potential dissimilarities in their morbidity profiles and use of health care services. Methods: A total of 241 centenarians were considered. Sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and use of health care services were assessed by semi-structured interviews with the centenarians and their proxies (family or formal caregiver). Results: A higher average of 4.80 self-reported illnesses (sd = 2.01) were found in the PU sample (vs. 2.96; sd = 1.77 in the PR sample); in overall the PR sample presented a better health condition with lower levels of physical and mental impairments, and a greater number of centenarians who did not succumb to the three most common lethal diseases (heart disease, non-skin cancer and stroke) in the elderly population (85.4% vs. 60% in the PU sample). Conclusions: Portuguese centenarians experienced a substantial number of illnesses, but an overall better health status was found in centenarians from the PR area. By providing distinctive health-related profiles, our findings suggest the importance of contextual factors in shaping how very advanced ages may be achieved.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8