title: A Novel Examination of Successful Aging Trajectories at the End of Life.
abstract: A successful aging (SA) index was captured in a longitudinal population-based cohort study of individuals aged 75 and older and examined longitudinally using growth mixture modelling (GMM) to identify groups with similar trajectories using decedents' (n = 1,015) last completed interview and up to four previous data collection waves before death. GMM identified a three-class model. Classes were high-functioning, no decline (HN); high-functioning, gradual decline (HG); and low-functioning, steep decline (LS). HN class individuals were significantly younger at death (p < 0.001) and at last interview (p < 0.001), consisted of more men (p < 0.001), and more likely to be married (p < 0.001) compared to HG and LS class individuals. These results demonstrate the different ways in which individuals can experience successful aging at the end of life. This study provides the framework for future research into life-course processes of aging, with important implications for policy and practice.
authors: Department of Public Health and Primary Care,University of Cambridge.
authors: Theodore D
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9977-8888
authors: TD
authors: Cosco
authors: Institute of Health and Society,Newcastle University.
authors: Blossom C M
authors: BC
authors: Stephan
authors: Medical Research Council Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at University College London UCL.
authors: Graciela
authors: G
authors: Muniz
authors: Department of Public Health and Primary Care,University of Cambridge.
authors: Carol
authors: C
authors: Brayne
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D003643:Death; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status
keywords: aging; end of life; fin de vie; growth mixture modelling; modélisation d’un mélange de croissance; successful aging; vieillissement; vieillissement réussi