Factors associated with successful aging in persons aged 65 to 75 years

BackgroundWe aimed to identify, among persons aged 65 to 75 years, those presenting successful aging defined with health-related quality of life, and to identify factors associated with successful aging.MethodsThe study design was a cross-sectional study based on healthcare data from 2005, from a representative sample of the French population. Our study population was comprised of subjects aged 65 to75 who completed the Duke Health Profile (DHP). The outcome was successful ageing as defined by a score on the general health dimension of the DHP above the 75th percentile according to sex. Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between successful aging and socio-demographic, psychosocial, physical and behavioural factors.ResultsIn total, 2160 were included in this analysis, average age was 70.1 ± 3.0 years. Overall, 645 (29.9%) presented good quality of life as assessed by the general health dimension, and thereby qualified as successful aging. By multivariable analysis, lower weight (OR = 2.75), regular physical activity (OR = 1.44), and the fact of having religious beliefs (OR = 1.36) were positively associated with successful aging. Conversely, psychological distress, comorbidities, and obesity negatively influenced aging. Social support, smoking status and marital status were not.ConclusionThis study, from a representative sample of the French population, found similar variables related to successful aging as in other studies. Physical and psychological well-being, regular exercise and nutritional status are major determinants of successful aging. It is thus vitally important that healthcare policies and programmes emphasise these elements in order to promote healthy and successful aging.