Factors Associated with the Health and Welfare of Centenarians

Abstract

Introduction: With the increase in living standards and the improvement of health systems, it is not unusual to reach extreme ages of life. At the beginning of 2019, in Pinar del Río Province, 109 centenarians were reported; of them, 9 belonged to Los Palacios Municipality, where there was an increase of 3 individuals compared to the previous year.

Objective: To characterize clinically and functionally the centenarian adults from the territory.

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and observational study was carried out in Los Palacios Municipality, in the period from January to March 2019. The study population consisted of 9 centenarians, to whom a structured survey was applied: Katz index and MGH quality of life test. The inclusion criteria and the principles of medical ethics were respected.

Results: There was a predominance of ages 100-104 years, the male sex, white skin color, widowhood, the condition of sharing house with children, coffee consumption and sensory deficit. All the patients did physical activity and their eating habits were healthy throughout life. Most of them did not have polypharmacy criteria. Regarding their functional assessment, quality of life and alterations in basic activities of daily life were analyzed.

Conclusions: Successful aging in centenarians showed that they have good health, both cognitive and perceived, maintain an optimistic attitude towards life, have a good family social support network, a history of long-lived family members, and healthy lifestyles.