Fast Aging Research Articles

Accelerated epigenetic aging and prospective morbidity and mortality among U.S. veterans.

Epigenetic measures of aging derived from DNA methylation are promising biomarkers associated with prospective morbidity and mortality, but require validation in real-world medical settings. Using data from 2,216 post-9/11 veterans, we examined whether accelerated DunedinPACE aging scores were associated with chronic disease morbidity, predicted healthcare costs, and mortality assessed over an average of 13.1 years of follow up in VA electronic health records. Veterans with faster DunedinPACE aging scores developed more chronic disease and showed larger increases in predicted healthcare costs over the subsequent 5, 10, and 15 years. Faster aging was associated with incident myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetes, cancer, liver disease, and renal disease, as well greater risk of mortality due to all-causes and chronic disease. These findings provide evidence that accelerated epigenetic aging is associated with worsening prospective health across multiple chronic diseases and organ systems assessed using electronic health records from an integrated healthcare system.

Analysis of the fastest backstroke age group swimmers competing in the World Masters Championships 1986–2024

Backstroke has been thoroughly investigated in the context of sports science. However, we have no knowledge about the nationalities of the fastest age group backstroke swimmers. Therefore, the present study intended to investigate the nationalities of the fastest backstroke swimmers. For all World Masters Championships held between 1986 and 2024, the year of competition, the first and last name, the age, and the age group, and both the stroke and the distance were recorded for each swimmer. Descriptive data were presented using mean, standard deviation, maximum and minimum values, and confidence intervals. The top ten race times for each swimming distance and sex were identified for descriptive purposes. Nationalities were then grouped into six categories: the top five nationalities with the most appearances in the backstroke swimming top ten times by distance each year and one group consisting of all other nationalities. The Kruskal–Wallis test compared nationality differences, followed by Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons to identify specific distinctions. Between 1986 and 2024, most age group backstroke swimmers (39.6%) competed in the 50 m event (11,964, 6206 women, and 5,758 men), followed by the 100 m event (32.3%, n = 9764, 5157 women, and 4607 men), and the 200 m event (28.1%, n = 8483, 4511 women, and 3,972 men). Germany had the highest number of top ten female swimmers in the 50 m backstroke distance. Brazil had the highest number of top ten male swimmers in the same distance. The USA had the highest number of female and male swimmers among the top ten in the 100 m and 200 m backstroke distances. Germany and Great Britain were the only countries with swimmers in the top ten for all female backstroke distances. Brazil, the USA, Italy, and Germany were the countries that had swimmers in the top ten for all male backstroke distances. In summary, the fastest backstroke age group swimmers originated from Germany, Brazil, USA, Great Britain, and Italy, where differences between the sexes and race distances exist.

Development of a long-term care service integration self-assessment tool

ABSTRACT The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of providing integrated care for older people. Taiwan is the fastest aging country in the world. In 2016, Taiwan implemented the Long-Term Care Plan 2.0 (TLTCP 2.0), aimed at providing integrated long-term care (LTC) services in communities. However, LTC service agencies have not been able to evaluate the level of integrated care they provide due to the lack of an effective assessment tool. To address this need, this study sets out to develop an integration assessment tool, namely the Self-Assessment for Service Integration in Long-Term Care (SASI-LTC), which will allow LTC agencies to self-evaluate their current level of integration from multiple perspectives. The SASI-LTC was developed based on Evashwick’s framework, underwent two rounds of Delphi panels with twenty-six experts, and a pilot test with 243 valid questionnaires from administrators of Tier A agencies who are responsible for integrating LTC. The Delphi experts assessed the content with high levels of agreement using medians, the scale content validity index (SCVI) and item content validity index (ICVI). The SASI-LTC included four domains (inter-entity organization and management, integrated care coordination, integrated resources, and integrated information systems) with thirty items. The SASI-LTC showed good reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.94) and good validity, and a confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit index [χ2/df = 1.38; RMSEA = 0.040; CFI = 0.963; SRMR = 0.049] in pilot testing. While the SASI-LTC is a useful and feasible tool for Taiwan’s LTC service agencies to evaluate their level of integration in providing LTC services, it could also be used in other countries with minor adjustments to localization of items related to financial integration.

Bidirectional relationship between epigenetic age and brain health events.

Chronological age offers an imperfect estimate of the molecular changes that occur with aging. Epigenetic age, which is derived from DNA methylation data, provides a more nuanced representation of aging-related biological processes. This study examines the bidirectional relationship between epigenetic age and the occurrence of brain health events (stroke, dementia, and late-life depression). Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we analyzed blood samples from over 4,000 participants to determine how epigenetic age relates to past and future brain health events. Study participants with a prior brain health event prior to blood collection were 4% epigenetically older (beta 0.04, SE 0.01), suggesting that these conditions are associated with faster aging than that captured by chronological age. Furthermore, a one standard deviation increase in epigenetic age was associated with 70% higher odds of experiencing a brain health event in the next four years after blood collection (OR 1.70, 95%CI 1.16-2.50), indicating that epigenetic age is not just a consequence but also a predictor of poor brain health. Both results were replicated through Mendelian Randomization analyses, supporting their causal nature. Our findings support the utilization of epigenetic age as a useful biomarker to evaluate the role of interventions aimed at preventing and promoting recovery after a brain health event.

Short- and long-term mechanical performances of damaged porous asphalt mixture treated with asphalt emulsion

Porous asphalt (PA) pavement usually has a short service life due to the ravelling distress. Spraying surface treatment (ST) asphalt emulsion could alleviate it. However, the effects of ST on the short- and long-term mechanical performances of PA mixture are unclear. Therefore, this study used repeated axial load test, indirect tensile fatigue test and indirect tensile cracking test to evaluate the rutting, fatigue and cracking resistances of damaged PA under different curing durations, respectively. Two curing temperatures, 25 and 60°C, were considered here. Results showed that the mechanical properties of ST treated PA were significantly improved in short-term. The durability of mechanical properties is good based on long-term observation data. The rutting resistance of treated PA was not compromised if the application rate of ST is well controlled. A high curing temperature could expedite recovery efficiency of damaged PA, but it was accompanied by faster aging, which cannot be ignored.

Dietary diversity score and the acceleration of biological aging: a population-based study of 88,039 participants

ObjectivesOur study aimed to investigate the association of dietary diversity score (DDS), as reflected by five dietary categories, with biological age acceleration. DesignA cross-sectional study. Setting and participantsThis study included 88,039 individuals from the UK Biobank. MethodsBiological age (BA) was assessed using Klemerae-Doubal (KDM) and PhenoAge methods. The difference between BA and chronological age represents the age acceleration (AgeAccel), termed as “KDMAccel” and “PhenoAgeAccel”. AgeAccel > 0 indicates faster aging. Generalized linear regression models were performed to assess the associations of DDS with AgeAccel. Similar analyses were performed for the five dietary categories. ResultsAfter adjusting for multiple variables, DDS was inversely associated with KDMAccel (βHigh vs Low = −0.403, 95%CI: −0.492 to −0.314, P < 0.001) and PhenoAgeAccel (βHigh vs Low = −0.545, 95%CI: −0.641 to −0.450, P < 0.001). Each 1-point increment in the DDS was associated with a 4.4% lower risk of KDMAccel and a 5.6% lower risk of PhenoAgeAccel. The restricted cubic spline plots demonstrated a non-linear dose-response association between DDS and the risk of AgeAccel. The consumption of grains (βKDMAccel = −0.252, βPhenoAgeAccel = −0.197), vegetables (βKDMAccel = −0.044, βPhenoAgeAccel = −0.077) and fruits (βKDMAccel = −0.179, βPhenoAgeAccel = −0.219) was inversely associated with the two AgeAccel, while meat and protein alternatives (βKDMAccel = 0.091, βPhenoAgeAccel = 0.054) had a positive association (All P < 0.001). Stratified analysis revealed stronger accelerated aging effects in males, smokers, and drinkers. A strengthening trend in the association between DDS and AgeAccel as TDI quartiles increased was noted. ConclusionsThis study suggested that food consumption plays a role in aging process, and adherence to a higher diversity dietary is associated with the slowing down of the aging process.

Aging Population in Vietnam: Challenges, Implications, and Policy Recommendations

Objectives: This paper aimed to critically examine challenges of Vietnam in addressing its aging population, highlighting its status as the third fastest aging nation in ASEAN, after Singapore and Thailand. The primary goals are to grasp the impending demographic shift and offer recommendations for policymakers. Design: This study is a comprehensive review providing insights into the aging situation in Vietnam. It focused on short and long-term strategies to tackle challenges posed by the rapidly growing older adult population. It contextualized the aging issue in its socio-economic landscape. The review spanned 2020 to 2050, outlining the expected transformation in the population aged 65 years or above. Setting(s): The study has focused on Vietnam’s aging population by consolidating the secondary data sources. Participants: The study is a secondary data and hence various secondary sources have been used to analyze the data of this study. Interventions: There are no interventions used in this study. Outcome measures: Anticipated changes in the percentage of the population aged 65 years or above serve as outcome measures. This commentary projects an increase from nearly 7% in 2020 to 14% by 2035, tripling to 21% by 2050, indicating the magnitude of the aging challenge in Vietnam. Results: The present review proposes recommendations to address the aging issue, including boosting the skilled workforce, investing in technology and research and development (R&amp;D), enhancing human capital, promoting international migration, creating additional funding opportunities, and introducing social protection measures. The results section encapsulates these suggested strategies as potential solutions to identified challenges. Conclusions: Vietnam faces a significant aging challenge with a rapid increase in the older adult population. This commentary advocates for a proactive approach by policymakers. The recommended strategies, both short and long-term, aim to mitigate economic and social challenges associated with an aging population. The conclusion stresses the importance of timely and effective policy measures to ensure sustainable development amid demographic changes in Vietnam.

Using machine learning to determine the nationalities of the fastest 100-mile ultra-marathoners and identify top racing events.

The present study intended to determine the nationality of the fastest 100-mile ultra-marathoners and the country/events where the fastest 100-mile races are held. A machine learning model based on the XG Boost algorithm was built to predict the running speed from the athlete's age (Age group), gender (Gender), country of origin (Athlete country) and where the race occurred (Event country). Model explainability tools were then used to investigate how each independent variable influenced the predicted running speed. A total of 172,110 race records from 65,392 unique runners from 68 different countries participating in races held in 44 different countries were used for analyses. The model rates Event country (0.53) as the most important predictor (based on data entropy reduction), followed by Athlete country (0.21), Age group (0.14), and Gender (0.13). In terms of participation, the United States leads by far, followed by Great Britain, Canada, South Africa, and Japan, in both athlete and event counts. The fastest 100-mile races are held in Romania, Israel, Switzerland, Finland, Russia, the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Czechia, and Taiwan. The fastest athletes come mostly from Eastern European countries (Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, Finland, Russia, Hungary, Slovakia) and also Israel. In contrast, the slowest athletes come from Asian countries like China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. The difference among male and female predictions is relatively small at about 0.25 km/h. The fastest age group is 25-29 years, but the average speeds of groups 20-24 and 30-34 years are close. Participation, however, peaks for the age group 40-44 years. The model predicts the event location (country of event) as the most important predictor for a fast 100-mile race time. The fastest race courses were occurred in Romania, Israel, Switzerland, Finland, Russia, the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Czechia, and Taiwan. Athletes and coaches can use these findings for their race preparation to find the most appropriate racecourse for a fast 100-mile race time.

Relationships among development, growth, body size, reproduction, aging, and longevity - trade-offs and pace-of-life

Relationships of growth, metabolism, reproduction, and body size to the biological process of aging and longevity have been studied for decades and various unifying “theories of aging” have been proposed to account for the observed associations. In general, fast development, early sexual maturation leading to early reproductive effort, as well as production of many offspring, have been linked to shorter lifespans. The relationship of adult body size to longevity includes a remarkable contrast between the positive correlation in comparisons between different species and the negative correlation seen in comparisons of individuals within the same species. We now propose that longevity and presumably also the rate of aging are related to the “pace-of-life.” A slow pace-of-life including slow growth, late sexual maturation, and a small number of offspring, predicts slow aging and long life. The fast pace of life (rapid growth, early sexual maturation, and major reproductive effort) is associated with faster aging and shorter life, presumably due to underlying trade-offs. The proposed relationships between the pace-of-life and longevity apply to both inter- and intra-species comparisons as well as to dietary, genetic, and pharmacological interventions that extend life and to evidence for early life programming of the trajectory of aging. Although available evidence suggests the causality of at least some of these associations, much further work will be needed to verify this interpretation and to identify mechanisms that are responsible.

Monitoring healthy ageing for the next decade: South Korea's perspective.

South Korea is the fastest ageing country among OECD countries. Unlike the older generation growing up in the aftermath of the Korean war, the first and second baby boomer generations have heightened expectations regarding public services. In addition to the demand in higher quality of both social and health services by these newer older population, there is a concomitant increased quantitative demand. It is imperative that Korea reimagines their health, social welfare and economic policies to reflect the rapidly changing needs of such generations. One way to do this is to mainstream and continually monitor healthy ageing in all aspects of future policies. In 2021, the Korean Longitudinal Healthy Aging Study was launched in this context, to better understand the needs of the new-older age generation and to produce evidence to support formulation of better tailored policies that could promote healthy ageing. However, Korea is only in its early stage in developing a monitoring system that looks into the performance level of policies that support healthy ageing. As a country that is preparing for such rapid demographic transition and has already commenced developing its healthy ageing indicators, it will be important to assess and monitor uniformly the level of healthy ageing from the framework perspective of WHO. Korea welcomes WHO's development of an internationally applicable M&E framework for healthy ageing. We hope that WHO's M&E framework on healthy ageing will help Korea align to the international standards in its journey through the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030 and beyond.

Computational analysis of preheating cylindrical lithium-ion batteries with fin-assisted phase change material

The existing conventional vehicle transportation landscape in India is grappling with challenges stemming from extensive air pollution, health risks, surging oil prices, limited fossil fuel resources, substantial oil import expenses and energy volatility. To counter these issues, Electric Vehicles (EVs) are progressively replacing internal combustion engines, offering a promising route toward decarbonization and mitigating climate concerns. EVs rely on electric motors powered by batteries, predominantly Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), known for their superior attributes such as low self-discharge, high energy density and extended life cycle. Nevertheless, LIB performance is significantly influenced by operating temperatures, with suboptimal conditions leading to decreased efficiency, power loss and faster aging. Addressing this, an effective Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) becomes crucial to maintain batteries at optimal temperatures, enhancing their efficiency and safety. This study focuses on a computational analysis of passive heating systems employing Fins and Phase Change Materials (PCM) for 18650 Li-ion battery thermal management at low temperatures, with specific attention to battery module analysis. Numerical analysis using ANSYS FLUENT investigates the influence of varying PCM thickness on heat transfer, predicting temperature distribution and discussing its impact on battery output performance.

Analyzing Home Environment Design for the Elderly from the Perspective of Design Psychology

With declining birth rates and extended overall lifespans worldwide, many countries are experiencing population aging. China, has the fastest aging population globally, making the care and support of the elderly a critical concern for the future. In this context, aging in place is the preferred choice for many elderly individuals, and the design of home environments plays a direct role in their physical and psychological well-being. This article, with a focus on healthy aging, addresses the psychological needs and issues commonly encountered by the elderly in their home lives. It employs the principles and methods of design psychology to analyze and research the design of home environments for the elderly. The article proposes key design considerations for improving elderly home environments beyond meeting functional requirements related to aging in place, with the aim of creating more conducive environments for elderly care and placing genuine attention on the psychological well-being of the elderly.

Relationship between aging population, birth rate and disposable income per capita in the context of COVID-19.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 in early 2020 and the recurring epidemic in later years have disturbed China's economy. Moreover, China's demographic dividend has been disappearing due to its fastest aging population and declining birth rate. The birth rates in eastern provinces of China are much lower than those of the western provinces. Considering the impacts of the COVID-19 and aging population, this paper focused on the relationship between birth rate and the disposable income and tried to find effective measures to raise China's birth rate. We discovered through regression analysis that the link between per capita disposable income and birth rate is initially "reverse J" and later "inverted J", indicating that per capita disposable income will influence the birth rate. Women's employment rate and educational level are negatively correlated with the birth rate. To raise the fertility rate in China, it is necessary to increase the marriage rate and the willingness to have children by raising the per capita disposable income and introducing effective tax relief policies.

From Crisis to Insight: Navigating Public Health Challenges in an Aging Society-Lessons from Hong Kong's COVID-19 Experience.

This article critically examines the experience of Hong Kong (HK) with the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the urgent need for effective public health responses in an aging society. As one of the world's fastest aging societies, Hong Kong's vulnerability to the consequences of pandemics is particularly pronounced due to low birth rates and high life expectancies. The city has experienced multiple waves of the COVID-19 virus, with the fifth wave causing some of the highest mortality rates in the world. However, through continuous learning and adaptation, HK's public health response has evolved to combat the crisis effectively. The discussion aims to highlight the importance of drawing from both positive and negative lessons from past epidemics and the critical role of public health systems in ensuring the well-being of older adults and the wider community. It emphasizes the need for sustained efforts to maintain and strengthen public health systems to tackle the ongoing and future public health challenges in an aging society.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the primary lung cancer screening program in Akita Prefecture, a region with the fastest aging population in Japan.

Akita Prefecture has the largest proportion of older inhabitants and the highest cancer mortality rate in Japan. Lung cancer is one of the biggest killers, and early detection is critical. Chest X-ray examinations are the main screening method for lung cancer; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the screening system. Here, we evaluate how COVID-19 has affected lung cancer screening in Akita Prefecture. Using the Akita General Health Corporation database, the average annual number of chest X-ray screening tests, close examinations and lung cancer diagnoses (stratified by sex and age) was evaluated during 2016-2019, and compared with the 2020 values. Furthermore, data on lung cancer registrations from 2018 to 2020 were obtained from the Collaborative Akita Prefecture Hospital-Based Cancer Registration System and analyzed. The average annual number of screening tests, close examinations and lung cancer diagnoses declined (by >50%) between 2016 to 2019 and 2020, especially among older people (aged ≥65 years). Furthermore, by stage, the number of patients with early-stage lung cancer (stage 0-I) decreased, and the number with advanced-stage cancer (stage IV) increased. The COVID-19 pandemic reduced lung cancer screening participation, especially among the older adult population in Akita Prefecture, resulting in a decrease in lung cancer diagnoses through screening. This might have reduced the number of early-stage cancer registrations. It is necessary to improve health education among the public regarding the importance of chest X-ray screening. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 622-627.

Sleep duration trajectories and all-cause mortality among Chinese elderly: A community-based cohort study

BackgroundChina is among the largest and fastest aging countries. The elderly population is more vulnerable, with higher proportion of inappropriate sleep duration and risk of mortality, compared with young and middle-aged adults. Single-measured sleep duration has been associated with mortality, but the health effects of long-term sleep duration trajectories remain unknown. This study aimed to explore the prospective associations between sleep duration trajectories and all-cause mortality among Chinese elderly.MethodsParticipants (n = 3,895; median age: 82 years; females: 53.3%) who reported sleep duration in all three surveys (2005, 2008, and 2011) from the community-based Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were followed up until 2019 (about 8 years). We identified sleep duration trajectories by latent class mixed model and explored their association with all-cause mortality using Cox hazard proportional regression and Laplace regression models. Further, stratified analysis by demographic characteristics and lifestyles and sensitivity analysis by lag effect, health-related factors, and inverse probability weighting were used to verify the robustness of the association. In addition, we explored the threshold effect of baseline sleep duration on the risk of all-cause mortality.ResultsWe documented 1,881 all-cause deaths during 16,689 person-years of follow-up. Five sleep duration trajectories were identified: moderately increased trajectory (28.1%), rapidly increased trajectory (7.2%), persistent sleep trajectory of 7 h (33.7%), moderately decreased trajectory (21.3%), and rapidly decreased trajectory (9.7%). Compared with the persistent sleep trajectory of 7 h, the multivariable-adjusted HRs (95%CI) for moderately increased trajectory, rapidly increased trajectory, moderately decreased trajectory, and rapidly decreased trajectory were 1.21 (1.08, 1.36), 1.21 (1.01, 1.44), 0.95 (0.82, 1.10), and 0.93 (0.78, 1.11), respectively; and the corresponding difference in median survival time (95%CI) were -0.53 (-1.01, -0.05), -0.43 (0.16, -1.02), 0.26 (-0.34, 0.86), and 0.25 (-0.51, 1.02), respectively. Stratified and sensitivity analyses showed consistent results. Threshold analysis indicated a sharply increased risk of mortality in participants whose sleep exceeds 9 h (HR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.30).ConclusionCompared with the persistent sleep trajectory of 7 h, moderately and rapidly increased sleep duration trajectories were associated with higher subsequent mortality in Chinese elderly. Those who report sleep exceeding 9 h may be at high risk for all-cause mortality.

Regulation of precipitation behavior among T1, S', and θ' phases in Al–Cu–Li-(Mg–Ag) alloys by optimizing Ag/Mg ratios

In third-generation Al–Cu–Li alloys, T1, S', and θ' precipitates are the primary strengthening phases, and the strength-ductility synergy of the alloys depends strongly on their precipitation behavior. This study aimed to regulate the precipitation behavior among these precipitates by optimizing Ag/Mg ratio in Al–Cu–Li alloys, and its influence on mechanical properties and fracture mechanism was investigated. To this end, four alloys were designed with a total content of 1.1 wt% of Ag and Mg, and an Ag/Mg ratio ranging from 0.24 to 5.63. The results shows that an increase in the Ag/Mg ratio dramatically accelerated the ageing process and shortened the peak-ageing time. At 150 °C, the precipitation sequence of alloys with an Ag/Mg ratio below 0.95 was SSS→GPB zone +δ′/β'→S'+T1, which transformed into SSS→GP zone +δ′/β'→θ'+T1 when the Ag/Mg ratio was above 1.87. The T1, S', and θ' precipitates coexisted and were dispersedly distributed among studied alloys with an Ag/Mg ratio ranging from 0.95 to 1.87. An Ag/Mg ratio of 1.87 resulted in the fastest ageing hardening response and the highest strength (YS = 705 MPa, UTS = 717 MPa) because of the highest volume fraction of T1 precipitates. Moreover, the fracture mode changed from transgranular fracture to intergranular fracture with increasing Ag/Mg ratio due to the difference in distribution and number density of these precipitates between the matrix and grain boundary.

Which Types of Stress Are Associated With Accelerated Biological Aging? Comparing Perceived Stress, Stressful Life Events, Childhood Adversity, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Stress and stressful events are associated with poorer health; however, there are multiple ways to conceptualize and measure stress and stress responses. One physiological mechanism through which stress could result in poorer health is accelerated biological aging. This study tested which types of stress were associated with accelerated biological aging in adulthood. Studying 955 participants from the Dunedin Longitudinal Study, we tested whether four types of stress assessed from ages 32 to 45 years-perceived stress, number of stressful life events, adverse childhood experiences, and posttraumatic stress disorder-were associated with accelerated biological aging. Higher levels of all four measures of stress were significantly associated with accelerated aging in separate models. In a combined model, more perceived stress and more stressful life events remained associated with faster aging, and the stress measures explained 6.9% of the variance in aging. The magnitudes of the associations between the four measures of stress and biological aging were comparable to associations for smoking and low education, two established risk factors for accelerated aging. People with high levels of perceived stress, numerous adverse childhood experiences (4+), high stressful life event counts, or posttraumatic stress disorder were aging an additional estimated 2.4 months, 1.1 additional months, 1.4 months, and 1.4 months per year, respectively. Assessing stress, particularly perceived stress, could help identify people at risk of accelerated aging. Intervening to treat stress or the health-relevant sequelae of stress could potentially slow the rate at which people are aging, improving their health as they age.

Determinants of Preferred Retirement Age in an Aging Society

Theoretical background: The process of aging has profound economic consequences for many countries, as it increases the number of beneficiaries of the pension system and extends the period of receiving pension benefits. We claim that understanding individual preferences concerning the retirement age is one of the key factors of successful reforms of pension systems and a prerequisite to convince a greater number of individuals to retire later. Purpose of the article: The aim of the article is to determine factors influencing the decision on the moment of retirement. The analysis takes into account socio-economic characteristics of individuals (including gender, age, education, health and income), as well as individual expectations and relative deprivation. The second goal is to compare preferences of men and women concerning the retirement age. Research methods: The empirical part of the article exploits a dataset based on primary research conducted in Poland which is one of the fastest aging countries in Europe (data for N = 448 respondents were collected with the help of an online questionnaire from April to May 2021). Both purposes are achieved with the help of econometric methods (OLS, quantile, and logit regressions). Main findings: We show that individuals have heterogeneous preferences concerning the retirement age, but on average they are willing to retire later than others (and often later than the official retirement age). We argue that one of the driving forces behind this phenomenon is associated with aversion towards relative deprivation. We demonstrate that individual preferences concerning the retirement age are not directly dependent on the current situation of respondents (depicted, e.g. by their education, health, place of living or income), but are determined by their expectations concerning their material situation when retired and by preferences regarding others. We also discuss some differences between men and women with regard to the preferred retirement age (e.g. women are more frequently ready to retire later than the official retirement age compared to men, but in general propose lower retirement age than men for both genders).

Rheological investigation on the ageing performance of bio-recycled asphalt binders and mixtures

The current need to move towards more sustainable technologies in the construction sector has promoted the investigation of using alternative materials in asphalt mixtures for pavements. Biomaterials, used as biobinders, have shown their potential as partial replacement of bitumen in asphalt mixtures as solution to decreasing the demand for fossil-fuel-based binders as well as CO2 emissions. However, more research is needed to increase the replacement of bitumen in asphalt mixtures. In this investigation,biobinders are used as full replacement of virgin bitumen and as recycling agent within asphalt mixtures with high Reclaimed Asphalt (RA) content. Blends of biobinders and RA binders, and bio-recycled asphalt mixtures, were produced, subjected to ageing and rheologically characterised. The results show that the rheological properties of binders’ blends seem adequate for their use, while the bio-recycled asphalt mixtures seem to have a faster ageing than conventional ones, hence their full-scale application still remains a concern.