Optimal Aging in Brazilian older people

INTRODUCTION:  In Brazil the major phenomena observed in the last 40 years is the population aging which occurs extremely quickly. This is a country with huge inequalities and and yet, many older adults come to very old age with an optimal condition (without functional or cognitive impairment). Identify the determinants of aging considered optimal is one of the main challenges for public policy. Objectives: To identify the determinants factors of the elderly aging considered optimal (without functional or cognitive impairment). 

METHODS: The study is part of Longitudinal SABE Study (Health, Wellbeing and Aging) that began in 2000 (first wave) with a multistage, clustered, probabilistic sample (n=2143) of older adults (≥ 60 years) in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The second wave was carried out in 2006 when 1115 elders were re-interviewed and a new probabilistic cohort (60 to 64 years) was included (n=298). The same occurred (third wave) in 2010 (978 elders were re-interviewed and a new cohort (n=355) was included). The sample here is composed by elders interviewed in 2006 and 2010 (n=978). The variable dependent was elders without functional or cognitive impairment in 2006 who maintained this condition in 2010 (optimal aging) 

RESULTS:  In the multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for baseline variables (self reports health and falls after 60 years), the optimal aging was associated with younger elderly (70-79 years: OR=0.59;p=0.003 and ≥ 80 years: OR=0.35;p=0.000); high schooling (≥ 8 years: OR=4.86;p=0.001); no presence of self reported Diabetes (OR=1.73;p=0.05) and a behavior related to self-care health - regular health follow-up (OR=1.49;p=0.03). Some genomic characteristics have been analysed.  

CONCLUSIONS:  The optimal aging is directly related to better social condition and no Diabetes presence and, due to Brazilian social reality, adequacy of public policies aimed at better conditions in old age are urged be implemented.