THE NEW AGING: HOW DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF AGING HAVE CHANGED OVER HALF A CENTURY. THE H70 STUDIES WITHIN NEAR

Abstract

Abstract The number and proportions of older people are increasing world-wide. The Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies started in 1971 and are still on-going. The studies include representative birth cohorts born 1901-02, 1906-07, 1911-12, 1922, 1923-24, 1930, and 1944 followed longitudinally from age 70 until death. The studies include psychiatric, somatic, audiological, opthalmological, psychological, social, genetic, dietary, functional, and psychometric examinations, personality, collection of blood, plasma, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid, and examinations with MRI. During the study period, cognitive and physical functions, and hearing, has improved considerably, the prevalence and incidence of dementia has decreased, the prevalence of depression and psychotic disorders has decreased, and sexual activity and alcohol consumption has increased considerably. Even personality has changed. Present older people are less neurotic and more extrovert. Our study shows that aging is a changing concept, and that previous knowledge needs to be continuously updated, as new generations reach old age.