title: SCI Longitudinal Aging Study: 40 Years of Research.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Longitudinal Aging Study was initiated in 1973 and has conducted 8 assessments over the past 40 years. It was designed to help rehabilitation professionals understand the life situation of people with SCI, but it has developed into the most long-standing study of aging and SCI and has resulted in over 50 publications.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Our purpose was to provide a detailed history of the study, response patterns, utilization of measures, and a summary of key findings reported in the literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five participant samples have been incorporated over the 40 years, with enrollment in 1973, 1984, 1993 (2 samples), and 2003. A total of 2,208 participants have completed 6,001 assessments, with a particularly large number of assessments among those who are more than 40 years post injury (n = 349).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall results have indicated changing patterns of outcomes over time as persons with SCI age, with some notable declines in participation and health. There has been a survivor effect whereby persons who are more active, well-adjusted, and healthier live longer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study has several important features that are required for longitudinal research including (a) consistency of follow-up, (b) consistency of measures over time, (c) addition of new participant samples to counteract attrition, and (d) inclusion of a large number of individuals who have reached aging milestones unparalleled in the literature. Data from this study can inform the literature on the natural course of aging with SCI.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.
authors.forename: James S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Krause
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.
authors.forename: Jillian M R
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.
authors.forename: Lee L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Saunders
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: aging; longitudinal; spinal cord injury