Improving independence in old age could rely on lifestyle, social factors
Investigators may have uncovered the factors contributing to functional independence and sex differences in the longevity of independence later in life.
In a study published in The Lancet Public Health, the investigators used 2008 to 2021 data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study to examine the healthy lifestyle factors, social determinants of health and functional independence of more than 11,800 participants aged 65 to 100 years.
The investigators found that female participants aged 65 years had longer life expectancies but shorter independent life expectancies compared with male participants of the same age. While male participants with more healthy lifestyle factors increased their independent life expectancy more than female participants with the same number of healthy lifestyle factors, female participants showed greater gains in independent life expectancy from positive social determinants of health compared with male participants. The investigators observed increases of about four years in independent living among both male and female participants when healthy lifestyle factors were combined with supportive social conditions.
The findings highlighted sex-based differences in the factors influencing independence in later life. The investigators concluded that public health strategies targeting the specific needs of older adults on the basis of sex could benefit this population.
Read more: The Lancet Public Health
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.