Psychological predictors of mortality in old age

Author(s): Smith, J.

Journal/Book: J Gerontol Ser B Psychol Sci. 1999; 54: 1275 K Street NW Suite 350, Washington, DC 20005-4006, USA. Gerontological Society Amer. P44-P54.

Abstract: Con regression models examined associations between 17 indicators of psychological functioning (intellectual abilities, personality, subjective well-being, and social relations) and mortality The sample (N = 514 age range 70-103 years) comprised participants in the Berlin Aging Study assessed between 1990 and 1993, By 1996 50% had died. Eleven indicators were identified as mortality risk factors at the zero-order level and six when age was controlled. Low perceptual speed and dissatisfaction with aging were uniquely significant after controls for age, SES, health, and the 16 other psychological factors. Low intellectual functioning was a greater risk for individuals aged 70-84 years than for the oldest old (over 85 years). The effects of psychological risk factors did not diminish over time. Future research should focus on the mechanisms and time frames that underlie the death-relatedness of intellectual functioning and self-evaluation.

Note: Article Smith J, Max Planck Inst Human Dev, Lentzeallee 94, D-14195 Berlin, GERMANY

Keyword(s): CENTER MORALE SCALE; FOLLOW-UP; 5-YEAR MORTALITY; SOCIAL NETWORKS; HEALTH-STATUS; LONGEVITY; DEATH; SURVIVAL; DETERMINANTS; PERFORMANCE

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