Active aging \u2013 resilience and external support as modifiers of the disablement outcome: AGNES cohort study protocol

Taina Rantanen,Katja Pynnönen,Anne Viljanen,Milla Saajanaho,Timo Hinrichs,Anu Karvonen,Sini Siltanen,Erja Portegijs,Katja Kokko,Merja Rantakokko,Lotta Palmberg,Johanna Eronen,Laura Karavirta,Timo Rantalainen,Eeva-Maija Palonen,Inna Lisko,Markku Kauppinen

doi:10.1186/s12889-018-5487-5

Taina Rantanen, Katja Pynnönen + Show 15 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5487-5

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Abstract

BackgroundPopulation aging increases the need for knowledge on positive aspects of aging, and contributions of older people to their own wellbeing and that of others. We defined active aging as an individual’s striving for elements of wellbeing with activities as per their goals, abilities and opportunities. This study examines associations of health, health behaviors, health literacy and functional abilities, environmental and social support with active aging and wellbeing. We will develop and validate assessment methods for physical activity and physical resilience suitable for research on older people, and examine their associations with active aging and wellbeing. We will examine cohort effects on functional phenotypes underlying active aging and disability.MethodsFor this population-based study, we plan to recruit 1000 participants aged 75, 80 or 85 years living in central Finland, by drawing personal details from the population register. Participants are interviewed on active aging, wellbeing, disability, environmental and social support, mobility, health behavior and health literacy. Physical activity and heart rate are monitored for 7 days with wearable sensors. Functional tests include hearing, vision, muscle strength, reaction time, exercise tolerance, mobility, and cognitive performance. Clinical examination by a nurse and physician includes an electrocardiogram, tests of blood pressure, orthostatic regulation, arterial stiffness, and lung function, as well as a review of chronic and acute conditions and prescribed medications. C-reactive protein, small blood count, cholesterol and vitamin D are analyzed from blood samples. Associations of factors potentially underlying active aging and wellbeing will be studied using multivariate methods. Cohort effects will be studied by comparing test results of physical and cognitive functioning with results of a cohort examined in 1989–90.ConclusionsThe current study will renew research on positive gerontology through the novel approach to active aging and by suggesting new biomarkers of resilience and active aging. Therefore, high interdisciplinary impact is expected. This cross-sectional study will not provide knowledge on temporal order of events or causality, but an innovative cross-sectional dataset provides opportunities for emergence of novel creative hypotheses and theories.

Highlights

Population aging increases the need for knowledge on positive aspects of aging, and contributions of older people to their own wellbeing and that of others
In countries with aging populations, a key question regarding quality of life, sustainability, productivity, and equity of societies concerns whether old age is lived with functional limitations, disability and limited opportunities to contribute to the society, or whether it is spent with opportunities for participation and involvement in meaningful life situations
The idea of active aging has been essential in positive gerontology, in innovation programs and in policy

Summary

Introduction

Population aging increases the need for knowledge on positive aspects of aging, and contributions of older people to their own wellbeing and that of others. We will develop and validate assessment methods for physical activity and physical resilience suitable for research on older people, and examine their associations with active aging and wellbeing. In countries with aging populations, a key question regarding quality of life, sustainability, productivity, and equity of societies concerns whether old age is lived with functional limitations, disability and limited opportunities to contribute to the society, or whether it is spent with opportunities for participation and involvement in meaningful life situations. World Health Organization defined the policy goal of active aging in 2002 as follows: “Active aging is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age” [2]. The European Union programs such as the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Aging further demonstrate the importance of active aging in policy and innovation [3]

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