An Introduction to the MacArthur Foundation Study of Successful Aging MYTHS OF AGING An Introduction to the MacArthur Foundation Study of Successful Aging

Background: Gerontology in the Mid-1980’s “…persistent preoccupation with disability, disease, & chronological age” “…a serious underestimation of the effects of lifestyle & other psychosocial factors on well-being of older persons”.

The Project: “…a long-term research program to gather the knowledge needed to improve older Americans’ physical & mental abilities”. 16 Scientists--Interdisciplinary Emphasis: the positive aspects of aging

The Study: Over $10 million in support Sub-projects: Studies of over 1000 high-functioning older people for 8 years Studies of hundreds of pairs of Swedish twins (genes vs lifestyle) lab-based studies of OA response to stress studies of brain aging in humans & animals

Aging in America: We ARE Getting Older--WHY? Reduction in infant mortality & childhood death rates in 19th & early 20th Centuries Decline in death rates among middle-age and older People are taking better care of themselves Science & medicine are taking better care of them as well

How Long Can We Live? Centenarians: Rare in 1900 1982--32,000 1998--61,000 Mid-21st Century--600,000

How Long Can We Live? “In almost every species, the oldest age observed is approximately six times the length of time from birth to maturity. In the human case, this argues for a span of 108 or 120 years…” “On the other hand, many scientists now feel that it is unlikely that there is any fixed life span limit”.

Undeniable Trends With Astonishing Implications The reshaping of the “age pyramid” to a “slightly lopsided square pillar” (pp. 8-9, Rowe & Kahn) “…the emergence of a striking preponderance of women”. Today’s OA’s: More education; greater access to health care; improved sanitary conditions

On to the Myths... “The topic of aging is durably encapsulated in a layer of myths in our society..a confusing blend of truth and fancy”. “…the elderly are depicted as a figurative ball and chain holding back an otherwise spry collective society”. “Gerontologists…have been as much a part of the problem as the solution”.

MYTH #1: To Be Old Is To Be Sick Shift in patterns of illness in OA’s: From: acute, infectious illness-->chronic illness

Most Common Ailments Arthritis-- ~50% Hypertension/Heart Disease--~1/3 Diabetes--11% Disorders Affecting Communication Hearing impairment--32% Cataracts--17% Macular degeneration--9%

Comparison of OA’s 1960/1990 Dramatic Reductions: Hi BP Hi Cholesterol Smoking # of Diseases present Lost teeth due to dental disease

Life expectancy has increased Data support the “Compression of Morbidity” Theory. OA’s PERCEPTION of self-health

MYTH #2 You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks “…the less people are challenged, the less they can perform. But research shows that older people can, and do, learn new things--and they learn them well”. The pace is different; the conditions are different. Schools & work organizations haven’t yet adapted to these differences.

Key Features Predicting Strong Mental FX in OA Regular Physical Activity Strong Social Support System Belief in one’s ability to handle what life has to offer *All 3 can be initiated or increased in later life.

For Learning New Skills in OA: Work at one’s own pace Have opportunities to practice Avoid embarrassment of not being able to “keep up” with younger counterparts

MYTH #3 The Horse is Out of the Barn “There’s no point in stopping now--the damage is already done”. “Nature is remarkably forgiving”.

Cigarette smoking: The good effects of quitting smoking hold regardless of age, the number of years one smokes, or how heavy the smoking habit

Syndrome X A cluster of risk factors together raise the risk of heart attack & premature death High blood sugar and insulin levels High blood pressure High “bad cholesterol” & triglycerides

High blood pressure Drug treatments for high BP reduces risk of stroke (>1/3) and risk of heart attacks (>1/4)

Exercise Increases physical fitness, muscle size, & strength Resistance exercises enhance bone strength Improves balance Mental “exercise” helps promote physical ability

MYTH #4 The Secret is Choose Your Parents Wisely The Swedish Twins Study showed that only about 30 percent of physical aging can be blamed on the genes and about half of the changes in mental function in aging are genetic. “We are, in large part, responsible for our own old age”.

MYTH #5 The lights may be on, but the voltage is low. Sexuality in Old Age Sexual activity does tend to decrease in old age Tremendous individual differences Decline in testosterone highly variable and only loosely linked with sexual performance The Kinsey report: a 50’s eye-opener

MYTH #6 OA’s don’t pull their own weight Older people are burdens rather than contributors to society Unjust because: Performance measures are wrong The playing field is not level Millions are ready, willing and able to increase their productivity

Wrong Measures Only paid work counts as productive

Uneven playing field Older people aren’t given an equal chance for paid employment Down-sizing, mergers, etc. affect older people disproportionately It’s simple: Agism at work in the workplace

Many are Ready, Willing, and Able But the Real Truth is: Many are Ready, Willing, and Able YEP!