THE SWEDISH CENTENARIAN STUDY - A MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDY OF 5 CONSECUTIVE COHORTS AT THE AGE OF 100

Centenarians born 1887-91, who lived in southern Sweden were asked to participate in this multidisciplinary study (N = 164). Of the survivor s (N = 143), 70 percent agreed (N = 100). The purpose was to describe the population from physical, social, and psychological points of view ; to characterize centenarians with various health conditions and dive rse degrees of autonomy and life satisfaction; and to identify factors at 100 years that predict future survival. Results: Eighty-two percen t were women, 25 percent lived in their own home, 37 percent in old ag e homes, and 38 percent in nursing homes. Socioeconomic status showed a similar distribution compared to nationally representative data. Fif ty-two percent managed activities of daily living with or without mino r assistance. The incidence of severe diseases was low. In 39 percent a disorder of the circulatory system was found. Thirty-nine percent (w omen) and 11 percent (men) had had at least one hip fracture. Twenty p ercent had good hearing and good vision. Twenty-seven percent were dem ented according to DSM III-R criteria. Means on cognitive tests (word- list, digit-span, learning, and memory) were lower compared to seventy to eighty year old groups. The variation in performance-was extremely widespread. Personality profiles (MMPI) indicated that the centenaria ns were more responsible, capable, easygoing and less prone to anxiety than the population in general. Extensive neuropathological investiga tion revealed no major diseases or large lesions but mild though multi ple changes. Results suggest that centenarians are a special group gen etically. A causal structure model emphasized body constitution, marit al status, cognition and blood pressure as particularly important dete rminants for survival after 100 years.