%0 Journal Article
%T Successful Aging and Longevity in Older Old Women: The Role of Depression and Cognition
%A Daniel Paulson
%A Mary Elizabeth Bowen
%A Peter A. Lichtenberg
%J Journal of Aging Research
%D 2011
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.4061/2011/912680
%X Based in successful aging theory and terminal cognitive drop research, this paper investigates cerebrovascular burden (CVB), depressive symptoms, and cognitive decline as threats to longevity. A subsample of stroke-free women over the age of 80 was identified in the Health and Retirement Survey (years 2000¨C2008). Mortality at 2, 6, and 8 year intervals was predicted using CVB (diabetes, heart disease, hypertension), depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale), and cognitive decline (decline of 1 standard deviation or more on the 35-point Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status over 2 years). At most waves (2002, 2004, and 2006) mortality was predicted by CVB, depressive symptoms, and cognitive drop measured 2 years prior. CVB and depressive symptoms at the 2000 wave predicted mortality at 6 and 8 years. Older women with the greatest longevity had low CVB, robust cognitive functioning, and few depression symptoms, supporting successful aging theory and terminal cognitive drop. 1. Introduction Rowe and Kahn [1] proposed criteria for successful aging comprised of avoidance of disease, maintenance of high cognitive and physical function, and sustained engagement in social and productive activities. This model grew from highly prolific MacArthur Foundation Study of Successful Aging, a $10 million, 10-year research effort led by Rowe and Kahn. The objectives of this study, and the theoretical framework that grew from it, are to better understand risk factors for decline and to inform prevention efforts. For instance, work drawn from this initiative concluded that pulmonary health relates to both gross motor and cognitive functioning in late life, suggesting this as an area for primary intervention in preserving late-life independence [2]. Drawing on the MacArthur Study data, Others have investigated modifiable risk factors for dementia, concluding that late-life depression may be a precursor of cognitive decline [3]. Still other work based in this study found that older adults who frequently felt useful to others had lower rates of disability and mortality than less-engaged elders, emphasizing the importance of social engagement and productive activities [4]. While support for this theory of successful aging has been mixed [5, 6], it provides a useful framework for examining longevity. This paper will examine whether the Rowe and Kahn successful aging variables are each independently related to longevity. In the current paper we chose to examine this theory in older old women over 80 years. Women constitute a majority of all
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jar/2011/912680/