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Background: Research has suggested the positive impact of physical activity on health and wellbeing in older age, yet few studies have investigated the associations between physical activity and heterogeneous trajectories of healthy ageing. We aimed to identify how physical activity can influence healthy ageing trajectories using a harmonised dataset of eight ageing cohorts across the world. Methods: Based on a harmonised dataset of eight ageing cohorts in Australia, USA, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and Europe, comprising 130,521 older adults (Mage = 62.81, SDage = 10.06) followed-up up to 10 years (Mfollow-up = 5.47, SDfollow-up = 3.22), we employed growth mixture modelling to identify latent classes of people with different trajectories of healthy ageing scores, which incorporated 41 items of health and functioning. Multinomial logistic regression modelling was used to investigate the associations between physical activity and different types of trajectories adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and other lifestyle behaviours. Results: Three latent classes of healthy ageing trajectories were identified: two with stable trajectories with high (71.4%) or low (25.2%) starting points and one with a high starting point but a fast decline over time (3.4%). Engagement in any level of physical activity was associated with decreased odds of being in the low stable (OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.19) and fast decline trajectories groups (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.50) compared to the high stable trajectory group. These results were replicated with alternative physical activity operationalisations, as well as in sensitivity analyses using reduced samples. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a positive impact of physical activity on healthy ageing, attenuating declines in health and functioning. Physical activity promotion should be a key focus of healthy ageing policies to prevent disability and fast deterioration in health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pain is a common symptom, often associated with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, and experienced especially by females and by older people. The aims of this study are to evaluate the temporal variations of pain rates among general populations for the period 1991–2015 and to project 10-year pain rates. Methods: We used the harmonized dataset of ATHLOS project, which included 660,028 valid observations in the period 1990–2015 and we applied Bayesian age–period–cohort modeling to perform projections up to 2025. The harmonized Pain variable covers the content "self-reported pain experienced at the time of the interview", with a dichotomous (yes or no) modality. Results: Pain rates were higher among females, older subjects, in recent periods, and among observations referred to cohorts of subjects born between the 20s and the 60s. The 10-year projections indicate a noteworthy increase in pain rates in both genders and particularly among subjects aged 66 or over, for whom a 10–20% increase in pain rate is foreseen; among females only, a 10–15% increase in pain rates is foreseen for those aged 36–50. Conclusions: Projected increase in pain rates will require specific interventions by health and welfare systems, as pain is responsible for limited quality of subjective well-being, reduced employment rates and hampered work performance. Worksite and lifestyle interventions will therefore be needed to limit the impact of projected higher pain rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pain is a common symptom, often associated with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, and experienced especially by females and by older people, and with increasing trends in general populations. Different risk factors for pain have been identified, but generally from studies with limited samples and a limited number of candidate predictors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictors of pain from a large set of variables and respondents. Methods: We used part of the harmonized dataset of ATHLOS project, selecting studies and waves with a longitudinal course, and in which pain was absent at baseline and with no missing at follow-up. Predictors were selected based on missing distribution and univariable association with pain, and were selected from the following domains: Socio-demographic and economic characteristics, Lifestyle and health behaviours, Health status and functional limitations, Diseases, Physical measures, Cognition, personality and other psychological measures, and Social environment. Hierarchical logistic regression models were then applied to identify significant predictors. Results: A total of 13,545 subjects were included of whom 5348 (39.5%) developed pain between baseline and the average 5.2 years' follow-up. Baseline risk factors for pain were female gender (OR 1.34), engaging in vigorous exercise (OR 2.51), being obese (OR 1.36) and suffering from the loss of a close person (OR 1.88) whereas follow-up risk factors were low energy levels/fatigue (1.93), difficulties with walking (1.69), self-rated health referred as poor (OR 2.20) or average to moderate (OR 1.57) and presence of sleep problems (1.80). Conclusions: Our results showed that 39.5% of respondents developed pain over a five-year follow-up period, that there are proximal and distal risk factors for pain, and that part of them are directly modifiable. Actions aimed at improving sleep, reducing weight among obese people and treating fatigue would positively impact on pain onset, and avoiding vigorous exercise should be advised to people aged 60 or over, in particular if female or obese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Study context: The aim of the present work was to investigate the association of Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) with Successful Aging (SA) status and compare it to classic anthropometric indices, among middle-aged and older individuals. Methods: Among various socio-demographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics, height, weight, waist circumference (WC), Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) and WHtR of the Greek participants, over 50 years old, enrolled in the ATTICA (n = 1,128) and the MEDIS (n = 2,221) in relation to SA; SA was evaluated using the validated Successful Aging Index (SAI, range 0–10) comprising of health-related, social, lifestyle, and clinical parameters. Results: WHtR was inversely associated with SAI with every 0.1-unit increase, lowering SAI by almost 0.5 units (b-coefficient±SE: −4.71 ± 0.26; 95%CI: −5.21, −4.20). Also, WHtR was more strongly associated with SAI (b = −0.352), surpassing the effect of age and sex (b = −0.347 and 0.11, respectively). With respect to the other anthropometric indices (weight, height, WC, WHR), WHtR exhibited the highest explanatory ability (Adjusted R2 = 0.345); the higher the adjusted R2 the higher explanatory ability. Conclusions: WHtR was revealed as the best determinant of successful aging, with respect to other anthropometric indices (weight, height, WC, WHR). The present findings are of significant public health importance for better understanding the role of body mass distribution on the aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous studies have reported associations between levels of protein and carbohydrate intake with several health outcomes. Yet, their effect on successful (or healthy) aging remains unknown. The purpose of the present work was to investigate the association of protein and carbohydrate intake levels with successful aging. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was carried out on the participants of two epidemiological studies; the ATTICA and the MEDIS studies. Anthropometrical, clinical and socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle parameters were derived through standard procedures. Successful aging was evaluated using a validated index (SAI) composed of 10 health-related social, lifestyle and clinical characteristics. Results: SAI levels were lower in low protein—high carbohydrate diet group (B = − 0.08, p = 0.04), but higher in high protein—high carbohydrate group (B = 0.06, p = 0.04), as compared to low protein and low carbohydrate diet, in participants living in insular areas. Protein—carbohydrate diet was not associated with SAI (all p's > 0.05) among participants living in urban areas (p for diet—study interaction < 0.001). Conclusions: A high protein diet seems to be beneficial for older islanders in terms of successful aging; stating a hypothesis for a potential diet–environmental interaction that may be related to the quality of foods consumed and, consequently the sources of nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are places around the world that are characterized by high longevity rates; among these places are islands in Eastern Aegean Sea (Ikaria Island). Sparse data suggest that islanders' nutritional habits are based on both local products and the coastal transport development; however, the level of adherence to the traditional Mediterranean lifestyle is relatively unknown. This review explores eating habits and behaviors, as well as the health status of people living in Eastern Aegean Sea islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Given the limitations of treatments for dementia, the characterisation of the early stages of dementia is crucial for the development of preventive programmes and interventions. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and examine its medical and lifestyle correlates in a nationally representative sample of the Spanish population.Methods: A total of 3625 participants (≥50 years of age) were interviewed in a cross-sectional study. MCI was defined as the presence of cognitive concerns, the objective evidence of impairment in one or more cognitive domains, the preservation of independence in functional abilities and no dementia. Participants were also asked to provide sociodemographic, health status and lifestyle information. Logistic regression analyses were performed using the overall sample and by age groups.Results: The overall prevalence of MCI was 9.6%, with higher rates in older people and women. In the overall model, after adjustment for potential confounders, depression [odds ratio (OR) = 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21, 2.66], diabetes (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.05, 1.95), sleep disturbances (OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.09, 2.55) and low level of physical activity (OR = 1.71; 95% CI = 1.26, 2.31) were associated with significantly higher odds for MCI. When stratified by age groups, depression (OR = 2.41; 95% CI = 1.35, 4.31), stroke (OR = 3.77; 95% CI = 1.44, 9.83) and obesity (OR = 2.06; 95% CI = 1.20, 3.53) were significantly associated with MCI in middle-aged participants (50-64 years), whereas low level of physical activity (OR = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.32, 2.59) and sleep disturbances (OR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.05, 3.05) were associated with MCI in individuals aged 65+ years.Conclusions: Significant associations between MCI and psychological, cardiovascular and lifestyle factors were found. Targeting modifiable risk factors might reduce the risk for MCI and subsequent dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to World Health Organization older individuals is the fastest growing age-group around the globe, thanks to the tremendous improvements in medical and pharmaceutical therapies, as well as in quality of life. Unfortunately, this raise in life span is accompanied by significant increase in disease burden, and consequent economical costs. Lifestyle modifications and effective prevention strategies have shown considerable benefits as regards the development of age-oriented chronic diseases. Among lifestyle factors, nutrition is a key component for achieving good health. Nevertheless, this parameter has insufficiently been investigated in older people. This is a rather important scientific gap, considering the westernization of nutritional habits observed the last few decades, with high red meat consumption and its processed products being an indispensable part. Moreover, its adverse impact in cardiovascular disease and cancer has been extensively investigated, while in recent literature, interest has been remarkably oriented towards its subtypes (i.e., fresh and processed); however, outcomes as regards the older population are controversial with a variety of them proposing moderation of red meat mainly the processed type, whilst others recognizing fresh red meat, especially the lean type, an important source of high quality protein so as to manage muscle tissue loss, a common implication of advanced-age discount. The aim of the present review was to present an overview of studies which have investigated the association between red meat and its subtypes, with chronic diseases, in middle and advanced age individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the present work was to evaluate various socio-demographic, clinical, lifestyle and psychological characteristics of elderly (>65 years) and very elderly (>90 years) individuals without known cardiovascular disease. Methods: During 2005–7, 1190 elderly (aged >65) men and women (from Cyprus, Mitilini, Samothraki, Cephalonia, Crete, Lemnos, Corfu and Zakynthos) were randomly enrolled. Socio-demographic, clinical, psychological and lifestyle factors were assessed using standard questionnaires and procedures. Results: From all islands, the proportion of males aged 65–80, 80–90 and >90 years was 71.8, 24.8 and 3.4%, respectively. The proportion of women, for the same age categories, was 80.4, 17.9 and 1.7%, respectively. Walking and other activities significantly declined with age (P < 0.001); however, nearly one in five participants over the age of 90 years remained physically active. Current smoking significantly declined in males as age increased (P < 0.001). All participants above the age of 90 years reported sleeping at noon. The proportion of participants living alone differs significantly (P < 0.001) across the three age groups. However, considerably more women live alone (men vs. women living alone: aged 65–80 years 12 vs. 37%; 80–90 years 16 vs. 55%; >90 years 52 vs. 55%). Dietary characteristics of The Mediterranean Islands Study (MEDIS) sample display a favourable adherence to dietary recommendations (Mediterranean diet). Conclusion: A favourable adherence to the Mediterranean diet, mid-day naps and smoking cessation with an increase in age was characteristic of our elderly population. Future research should further evaluate whether the aforementioned characteristics are associated with longevity beyond the average life expectancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the association between the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and successful aging, taking into consideration the overall dietary pattern, rather than individual foods, among middle-aged and older individuals. A harmonized dataset of middle-aged and older participants (>50 years old) from the ATTICA (n = 1,128) and MEDIS (n = 2,221) population-based cross-sectional studies was used. Socio-demographic, anthropometric, clinical and lifestyle characteristics were measured in both studies and harmonized using standardized procedures. Level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the MedDietScore (range 0–55, "Low" adherence <34, "High">38). Successful aging was evaluated using the validated successful aging index (SAI, range 0−10) comprising of health-related, social, lifestyle and clinical characteristics. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was positively associated with SAI (b ± SE "High" vs. "Low": 1.094 ± 0.130, p < 0.001 and "Moderate" vs "Low": 0.476 ± 0.156, p = 0.003). Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was independently associated with a higher level of successful aging. Mediterranean diet or dietary patterns that are close to this pattern, should be actively promoted and encouraged to middle aged and older people to achieve successful aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]