Health assessment and analysis on diseases spectrum of 45 centenarians in Zhongxiang city, Hubei province

Abstract

Objective To clarify the health status and spectrum of chronic diseases of centenarians and to explore the mechanisms of healthy longevity. Methods The 45 centenarians in randomly selected 9 small towns in Zhongxiang city received a questionnaire survey including the general questionnaire, cognitive function, psychological state, self-care ability of life, nutritional status and quality of life.Meanwhile, Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale(GDS), Activities of daily living(ADL), Mini Nutritional Assessment(MNA)and the 26-item WHOQOL-BREF)were carried out in a healthy examination. Results The average age of 45 centenarians was(102.4±3.2)years old(male: female =1: 3). The average MMSE score was(22.8±4.1)points, no dementia in the elderly.None of 45 centenarians experienced dementia, only 20% of centenarians showed mild depression on the GDS.Frailty was prevalent in most of participants.71.1% of them had potential malnutrition and malnutrition.No one reached the normal standard for ADL scale(scores≥95)in the elderly.The mean points of WHOQOL-BREF score were(56.75±17.09)in physical domain, (72.13±15.49)in psychological domain, (56.57±17.25)in social relationship domain, and(65.99±13.06)in environmental domain.The centenarians suffered from 4(4.3±1.4)diseases in average, with high blood pressure in the leading place.There were varying degrees of declined vision and hearing, and hypodontia in most of the centenarian.The diabetes mellitus and malignant tumor were not found. Conclusions A large proportion of centenarians lives with their families.Despite the different degrees of decline of physical function, facing challenges related to ageing, the centenarians basing home care still maintain a good psychological state, and keep longevity.The support of family and society plays an important role in maintaining a good quality of life for the centenarians.More research is necessary to get knowledge and provides well-suited services to the special population. Key words: Health surveys; Chronic disease