According to the reserve perspective on cognitive aging, individuals are born with or can develop resources that help them resist normal and disease-related cognitive changes that occur in aging. The reserve perspective is becoming more sophisticated, but gaps in knowledge persist. The American research considered three understudied questions about reserve: Is reserve primarily static (unchangeable) throughout the life course or dynamic (changeable, in terms of increases or decreases)? Can reserve be increased at any point in life, or are there optimal time periods - such as early life, midlife, or late life - to increase it? Does participation in different types of leisure and occupational activities in early life and midlife have different effects depending on specific domains of late-life cognitive functioning? The study linked early cognitive and activity data - gathered from archival sources - with cognitive data from older adults to examine these issues. 349 participants, all mid-1940s graduates of the same high school, underwent telephone cognitive screening. All participants provided access to adolescent IQ scores; activity levels were determined from yearbooks. Path analysis was used to evaluate the complex relationships between early life, midlife, and late-life variables. Adolescent IQ had strong direct effects on global cognitive functioning, episodic memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed. Participants' high school mental activities had direct effects on verbal fluency, but physical and social activities did not predict any cognitive measure. Education had direct effects on global cognitive functioning, episodic memory, and, most strongly, processing speed, but other midlife factors (notably, occupational demands) were not significant predictors of late-life cognition. There were weak indirect effects of adolescent IQ on global cognitive functioning, episodic memory, and processing speed, working through high school mental activities and education. Verbal fluency, in contrast, was affected by adolescent IQ through links with high school mental activities, but not education. The study suggests that reserve is dynamic, but it is most amenable to change in early life. It is concluded that an active, engaged lifestyle, emphasizing mental activity and educational pursuits in early life, can have a positive impact on cognitive functioning in late life.
According to the reserve perspective on cognitive aging, individuals are born with or can develop resources that help them resist normal and disease-related cognitive changes that occur in aging. The reserve perspective is becoming more sophisticated, but gaps in knowledge persist. The American research considered three understudied questions about reserve: Is reserve primarily static (unchangeable) throughout the life course or dynamic (changeable, in terms of increases or decreases)? Can reserve be increased at any point in life, or are there optimal time periods - such as early life, midlife, or late life - to increase it? Does participation in different types of leisure and occupational activities in early life and midlife have different effects depending on specific domains of late-life cognitive functioning? The study linked early cognitive and activity data - gathered from archival sources - with cognitive data from older adults to examine these issues. 349 participants, all mid-1940s graduates of the same high school, underwent telephone cognitive screening. All participants provided access to adolescent IQ scores; activity levels were determined from yearbooks. Path analysis was used to evaluate the complex relationships between early life, midlife, and late-life variables. Adolescent IQ had strong direct effects on global cognitive functioning, episodic memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed. Participants' high school mental activities had direct effects on verbal fluency, but physical and social activities did not predict any cognitive measure. Education had direct effects on global cognitive functioning, episodic memory, and, most strongly, processing speed, but other midlife factors (notably, occupational demands) were not significant predictors of late-life cognition. There were weak indirect effects of adolescent IQ on global cognitive functioning, episodic memory, and processing speed, working through high school mental activities and education. Verbal fluency, in contrast, was affected by adolescent IQ through links with high school mental activities, but not education. The study suggests that reserve is dynamic, but it is most amenable to change in early life. It is concluded that an active, engaged lifestyle, emphasizing mental activity and educational pursuits in early life, can have a positive impact on cognitive functioning in late life.
INDEPENDENT AGE, INTERNATIONAL LONGEVITY CENTRE UK, READY FOR AGEING ALLIANCE
Publisher:
Independent Age
Publication year:
2014
Pagination:
15
Place of publication:
London
This report follows up points of view presented in the House of Lords Select Committee on Public Service and Demographic Change report, ‘.Ready for ageing?’ (2013), exactly a year ago. It looks ahead 16 years to illustrate two possible futures for older people in the UK, by presenting “best cases” and “worst cases” in respect of: attitudes to ageing; money; relationships; work and learning; health and care; lifestyle; and where we live. The best case scenarios look forward to see what the UK could look like in 2030, if we take the right decisions now to prepare for our ageing population. People will be healthier for longer, and older people could be contributing more to society – provided that we approaches the challenges of ageing positively and creatively. The worst case scenarios look that need to be adopted if we are to meet the challenges of an ageing society.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report follows up points of view presented in the House of Lords Select Committee on Public Service and Demographic Change report, ‘.Ready for ageing?’ (2013), exactly a year ago. It looks ahead 16 years to illustrate two possible futures for older people in the UK, by presenting “best cases” and “worst cases” in respect of: attitudes to ageing; money; relationships; work and learning; health and care; lifestyle; and where we live. The best case scenarios look forward to see what the UK could look like in 2030, if we take the right decisions now to prepare for our ageing population. People will be healthier for longer, and older people could be contributing more to society – provided that we approaches the challenges of ageing positively and creatively. The worst case scenarios look ahead to 2030 to see how failing to take action now will impact on older people in each of the key themes identified. This report imagines the impact of policy failure on money, health, relationships and issues that are key to wellbeing if political parties cannot agree on how to tackle demographic change. It concludes by outlining three principles – long-termism, bipartisanship and inclusivity – that need to be adopted if we are to meet the challenges of an ageing society.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
older people, ageing, government policy, life style, health needs;
Active ageing’ is a topic of increasing attention in scientific and policy discussions on ageing, yet there is no consensus on its actual meaning. The current paper proposes a detailed classification of various definitions that have been used since its introduction. These definitions are subjected to critical investigation, and subtle differences with regard to such terms as ‘healthy ageing’
(Publisher abstract)
‘Active ageing’ is a topic of increasing attention in scientific and policy discussions on ageing, yet there is no consensus on its actual meaning. The current paper proposes a detailed classification of various definitions that have been used since its introduction. These definitions are subjected to critical investigation, and subtle differences with regard to such terms as ‘healthy ageing’ and ‘productive ageing’ are clarified. Bearing the hazards of previous definitions in mind, a comprehensive strategy is initiated. Given that earlier definitions have tended to exclude frail older adults, this strategy pays particular attention to the translation of the active-ageing concept to situations of dependency by centring on three key principles: fostering adaptability, supporting the maintenance of emotionally close relationships and removing structural barriers related to age or dependency.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
interpersonal relationships, life style, ageing, older people, health;
This book shows us how older people can: enjoy what aging has to offerand actually welcome it into our lives. It recommends the abolition of today’s version of nursing homes so that no elder has to fear being placed in an institution and the development of the capacity for peacemaking and wisdom giving that grows within older people. It also recommends the creation of Green Houses - communities where older people live together intentionally, bringing meaning and worth to the last half of life and the building of a society where aging and longevity are used to improve life for people of all ages.
This book shows us how older people can: enjoy what aging has to offerand actually welcome it into our lives. It recommends the abolition of today’s version of nursing homes so that no elder has to fear being placed in an institution and the development of the capacity for peacemaking and wisdom giving that grows within older people. It also recommends the creation of Green Houses - communities where older people live together intentionally, bringing meaning and worth to the last half of life and the building of a society where aging and longevity are used to improve life for people of all ages.
Subject terms:
life style, older people, quality of life, ageing, communities;
Ageing and Society, 25(2), March 2005, pp.181-195.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Most adults do not achieve the levels of physical activity currently recommended for a healthy lifestyle. Population surveys suggest that there is a linear decline of activity levels with age, yet physical activity has many health benefits for older adults. If these are to be more widely adopted among older people, health policy and promotion require an understanding of the factors that influence decreasing activity with age. This study examined the patterns of physical activity of 699 participants in the West of Scotland Twenty-07 Study who were aged 60 years when interviewed in 1991 and followed up four to five years later. It examined the factors that influenced whether or not the subjects achieved currently recommended levels of activity, by applying random effects models with a seasonal adjustment. It was found that higher levels of physical activity associated with a healthier lifestyle, and that socio-economic factors played a minor role in determining the level of physical activity. A substantial amount of physical activity occurred at work but was lost by those who had retired, for while those who were not working were more physically active at home or at leisure than those in work, the majority of the sample did too little physical activity outside work to compensate for the loss of work-based activity. One conclusion is that health promotion initiatives that encourage people to become more physically active should be targeted at those who are about to retire.
Most adults do not achieve the levels of physical activity currently recommended for a healthy lifestyle. Population surveys suggest that there is a linear decline of activity levels with age, yet physical activity has many health benefits for older adults. If these are to be more widely adopted among older people, health policy and promotion require an understanding of the factors that influence decreasing activity with age. This study examined the patterns of physical activity of 699 participants in the West of Scotland Twenty-07 Study who were aged 60 years when interviewed in 1991 and followed up four to five years later. It examined the factors that influenced whether or not the subjects achieved currently recommended levels of activity, by applying random effects models with a seasonal adjustment. It was found that higher levels of physical activity associated with a healthier lifestyle, and that socio-economic factors played a minor role in determining the level of physical activity. A substantial amount of physical activity occurred at work but was lost by those who had retired, for while those who were not working were more physically active at home or at leisure than those in work, the majority of the sample did too little physical activity outside work to compensate for the loss of work-based activity. One conclusion is that health promotion initiatives that encourage people to become more physically active should be targeted at those who are about to retire.
Subject terms:
life style, physical exercise, retirement, ageing, health education;
Contains sections on: what ageing is; ageing and intellectual skills; ageing and memory; ageing and language; ageing, personality and lifestyle; the dementias; and the future of gerontology.
Contains sections on: what ageing is; ageing and intellectual skills; ageing and memory; ageing and language; ageing, personality and lifestyle; the dementias; and the future of gerontology.
Subject terms:
life style, older people, psychology, ageing, dementia;
In this study individual differences concepts and analyses were used to examine whether older people achieve different ageing-well states universally or whether there are identifiable key groups that achieve them to different extents. The data used in the modelling were from a prospective 16-year longitudinal study of 1,000 older Australians. Predictors examined were: trajectories for ageing well using self-rated health, psychological wellbeing and independence in daily living as joint indicators of ageing well in people aged over 65 years at baseline. Analysis: group-trajectory modelling and multivariate regression to identify characteristics predicting ‘ageing well’. The results showed three distinct and sizeable ageing trajectory groups: (a) ‘stable-good ageing well’ (classified as ageing well in all longitudinal study waves; which was achieved by 30.2% of women and 28.0% of men); (b) ‘initially ageing well then deteriorating’ (50.5% women and 47.6% men); and (c) ‘stable-poor’ (not ageing well in any wave; 19.3% women and 24.4% men). Significant gender differences were found in membership in different ageing-well states. In the stable-poor groups there were 103/533 females which
(Edited publisher abstract)
In this study individual differences concepts and analyses were used to examine whether older people achieve different ageing-well states universally or whether there are identifiable key groups that achieve them to different extents. The data used in the modelling were from a prospective 16-year longitudinal study of 1,000 older Australians. Predictors examined were: trajectories for ageing well using self-rated health, psychological wellbeing and independence in daily living as joint indicators of ageing well in people aged over 65 years at baseline. Analysis: group-trajectory modelling and multivariate regression to identify characteristics predicting ‘ageing well’. The results showed three distinct and sizeable ageing trajectory groups: (a) ‘stable-good ageing well’ (classified as ageing well in all longitudinal study waves; which was achieved by 30.2% of women and 28.0% of men); (b) ‘initially ageing well then deteriorating’ (50.5% women and 47.6% men); and (c) ‘stable-poor’ (not ageing well in any wave; 19.3% women and 24.4% men). Significant gender differences were found in membership in different ageing-well states. In the stable-poor groups there were 103/533 females which was significantly lower than 114/467 men (z-statistic = −2.6, p = 0.005); women had a ‘zero’ probability of progressing to a better ageing-well classification in later years, whilst males had a one-in-five probability of actually improving. Robust final state outcome predictors at baseline were lower age and fewer medical conditions for both genders; restful sleep and Australian-born for women; and good nutrition, decreased strain, non-smoker and good social support for men. These results support that ageing-well trajectories are influenced by modifiable factors. Findings will assist better targeting of health-promoting activities for older people.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
longitudinal studies, older people, ageing, life style, wellbeing, health;
Purpose: Dementia is a growing problem worldwide, due to an ageing population. It has significant human and economic costs. There is no effective medical treatment. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach: Using earlier reviews, the author discussed the difference between dementia and cognitive ageing and the different types of dementia, in terms of manifestation
(Publisher abstract)
Purpose: Dementia is a growing problem worldwide, due to an ageing population. It has significant human and economic costs. There is no effective medical treatment. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach: Using earlier reviews, the author discussed the difference between dementia and cognitive ageing and the different types of dementia, in terms of manifestation and pathology. The author reviewed non-modifiable risk factors for dementia, such as age, gender, genetics and education. Education can possibly have lifelong protective effects, as it may promote cognitive reserve. This paper focussed on lifestyle interventions to further increase brain reserve capacity. Findings from earlier reviews were summarised to provide guidelines for policymakers and practioners.
Findings: The reviews suggested that most nutritional approaches may have limited effectiveness, and should be implemented in midlife, before dementia symptoms are present and probably only in people who are actually nutritionally deficient. The author found a reasonable positive evidence base of engagement in cognitive and physical activities to prevent dementia, which may also help reduce symptoms of dementia.
Practical implications: From the studies reviewed, it was suggested that keeping physically and mentally active may help in all stages of life to prevent, but also reduce dementia symptoms. A focus on nutrition and treating heart disease risk factors is possibly limited to midlife, or before dementia symptoms are present.
Originality/value: The author used an evidence based approach to review which lifestyle interventions could help prevent dementia or reduce dementia symptoms. The main outcome of this paper was that stage of life and ability (dementia present or not) may interact with success of the intervention.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
physical exercise, older people, ageing, nutrition, dementia, prevention, life style;
The fifth edition of this introductory text book has been expanded and completely revised. Each chapter has been updated to reflect current thinking and a new chapter is included on death, dying and bereavement. The author provides an overview of the psychological processes of ageing and examines what constitutes older age. He looks at recent theory and research in various domains, including ageing and memory; ageing and language; ageing, personality and lifestyle; and mental illness and ageing. The problems inherent in measuring the psychological status of older people are discussed and the author attempts to picture what 'being old' will be like in the future. The book makes the point that ageing is not just general slowing and cognitive decline, as it is often portrayed, but that cognitive ageing is a complex interaction of individuals and their environment.
The fifth edition of this introductory text book has been expanded and completely revised. Each chapter has been updated to reflect current thinking and a new chapter is included on death, dying and bereavement. The author provides an overview of the psychological processes of ageing and examines what constitutes older age. He looks at recent theory and research in various domains, including ageing and memory; ageing and language; ageing, personality and lifestyle; and mental illness and ageing. The problems inherent in measuring the psychological status of older people are discussed and the author attempts to picture what 'being old' will be like in the future. The book makes the point that ageing is not just general slowing and cognitive decline, as it is often portrayed, but that cognitive ageing is a complex interaction of individuals and their environment.
Subject terms:
life style, memory, mental health problems, psychology, quality of life, ageing;