Health and functioning in the exceptionally long-lived in Catalonia (Spain)

Manuela Alcañiz, Universitat de Barcelona
Aïda Solé-Auró, Universitat Pompeu Fabra

Reaching advanced old age is more common now than ever. Recent growth in the number of adults surviving to advanced ages raises questions about the health and functioning, as well as the quality of life associated with the exceptionally long-lived. This study uses nationally representative data on elderly Catalans to examine the characteristics of the exceptionally long-lived. Using cross-sectional data in 2006 and in 2012 from the Catalan Health Survey, we examined several health indicators (comorbidities and physical impairment) plus depression and economic resources in order to document different routes of long-life lived. We expect multiple routes to achieving exceptional longevity and we expect gender differences according to which route is taken. These routes provide direction for future study into the factors that determine exceptional longevity.