Search PubMed⌕ Search

PubMed · 9279031

Successful aging.

Abstract

Substantial increases in the relative and absolute number of older persons in our society pose a challenge for biology, social and behavioral science, and medicine. Successful aging is multidimensional, encompassing the avoidance of disease and disability, the maintenance of high physical and cognitive function, and sustained engagement in social and productive activities. Research has identified factors predictive of success in these critical domains. The stage is set for intervention studies to enhance the proportion of our population aging successfully.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

J W Rowe, R L Kahn. 1997. Successful aging.. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront%2F37.4.433

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

The imPaCT study: a randomised controlled trial to evaluate a hospital palliative care team.

A randomised controlled trial was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of a hospital Palliative Care Team (PCT) on physical symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL); patient, family carer and primary care professional reported satisfaction with care; and health service resource use. The full package of advice and support provided by a multidisciplinary specialist PCT ('full-PCT') was compared with limited telephone advice ('telephone-PCT', the control group) in the setting of a teaching hospital trust in the SW of England. The trial recruited 261 out of 684 new inpatient referrals; 175 were allocated to 'full-PCT', 86 to 'telephone-PCT' (2 : 1 randomisation); with 191 (73%) being assessed at 1 week. There were highly significant improvements in symptoms, HRQoL, mood and 'emotional bother' in 'full-PCT' at 1 week, maintained over the 4-week follow-up. A smaller effect was seen in 'telephone-PCT'; there were no significant differences between the groups. Satisfaction with care in both groups was high and there was no significant difference between them. These data reflect a high standard of care of patients dying of cancer and other chronic diseases in an acute hospital environment, but do not demonstrate a difference between the two models of service delivery of specialist palliative care.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Predictors of positive health in disability pensioners: a population-based questionnaire study using Positive Odds Ratio.

BACKGROUND: Determinants of ill-health have been studied far more than determinants of good and improving health. Health promotion measures are important even among individuals with chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to find predictors of positive subjective health among disability pensioners (DPs) with musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: Two questionnaire surveys were performed among 352 DPs with musculoskeletal disorders. Two groups were defined: DPs with positive health and negative health, respectively. In consequence with the health perspective in this study the conception Positive Odds Ratio was defined and used in the logistic regression analyses instead of the commonly used odds ratio. RESULTS: Positive health was associated with age > or = 55 years, not being an immigrant, not having fibromyalgia as the main diagnosis for granting an early retirement, no regular use of analgesics, a high ADL capacity, a positive subjective health preceding the study period, and good quality of life. CONCLUSION: Positive odds ratio is a concept well adapted to theories of health promotion. It can be used in relation to positive outcomes instead of risks. Suggested health promotion and secondary prevention efforts among individuals with musculoskeletal disorders are 1) to avoid a disability pension for individuals <55 years of age; if necessary, to make sure rehabilitation actions continue, 2) to increase efforts to support immigrants to adjust to circumstances connected to ill-health and retirement, 3) to pay special attention to individuals with fibromyalgia and other general pain disorders, and 4) to strengthen ADL activities to support an independent active life among disability pensioners.

Activities of Daily Living↗

The stroke survivor.

PURPOSE: This article reviews the physiological basis of stroke rehabilitation and describes the theories and interventions involved in the rehabilitation of the stroke survivor. ISSUES: Stroke remains the third most common cause of death in the Western World, and is the leading cause of adult disability and placement into extended care facilities. Stroke is not a disease of the old, but affects many people under the age of 65. Comprehensive rehabilitation may improve the functional abilities of the stroke survivor, despite age and neurologic deficit, and decrease long-term patient care costs. Rehabilitation not only involves restoring independence in mobility and activities of daily living, but maximizing compensatory strategies in linguistic and cognitive function. Strategies to reintegrate the stroke survivor into the community are discussed. Secondary complications of stroke are described, and interventions are suggested to prevent and treat potential medical issues. CONCLUSION: Stroke rehabilitation may be a lifetime endeavour, and requires proper medical resources to successfully address physical, linguistic, cognitive and psychosocial issues. Good communication between the rehabilitation team, the patient and the family facilitates optimal care and provides the stroke survivor with the opportunity to reach his maximal functional potential.

Activities of Daily Living↗