Chapter 1. 85 Plus: Living Independently

Synopsis

Catherine Robertson, Grossmont College

Introduction to the Old-Old

Today, people over 85 are the fastest growing segment of our population. Sometimes, they are collectively called the old-old. This term implies that the old-old are frail and dependent on others for support and services, but today, more and more people in their 80s and older live independent and involved lives.

Many factors contribute to the longevity of today’s old-old. New medications and medical breakthroughs have helped cure or control many conditions that once posed serious health risks. Genetics also play an important role in longevity as people who come from families whose members are long-lived may have longer lives themselves. Over time, these genetic tendencies have had more time to proliferate through the population.

Regions Known for Oldest Old Populations

In the 1970s, certain regions of the world, parts of Russia, Pakistan, and Peru, were recognized for having a larger-than-average number of centenarians, people who live to be over 100 years old. Some argued that because these regions had extensive rural communities that were more than 3,000 feet above sea level, the living environment was particularly suitable to a long life. Air pollution was minimal, and exercise and rural work life at this altitude may have enhanced heart fitness.

The authenticity of this data from the 1970s was subsequently called into question because of a lack of verifiable records. However, the idea of certain geographic areas being conducive to longevity is compelling. Study this map showing the location of the world’s supercentenarians, people who are over 110 years of age.

Elderly people in various regions of the world seem to share the following characteristics.

• They eat moderately, and their diet includes less meat and fat and more vegetables and herbs.

• They continue to work in some capacity into their senior years.

• They value family and community, and they have frequent interactions with several generations of their families. They are a vital part of their communities, and they are treated with respect.

• They exercise as well as relax regularly.

Consider this map showing the location of the world’s supercentenarians in 2011 in light of these 4 characteristics, and make a few notes on why living in certain regions might contribute to a long life. You will be asked to apply this information later in this activity.

Challenges for the Old-Old

Erik Erikson spoke of the struggle for integrity versus despair as the major task for people in this late stage of life. People who have achieved integrity are likely to feel content with their past and present lives while staying involved and engaged in life. Some gerontologists believe that people who remain actively involved with people and events around them are likely to have a long life.

Meet Bernice

Bernice is a 93-year-old woman who lives alone in an apartment located in a seniors-only facility on the West Coast. She is active in the social life of her apartment complex and often visits with her neighbors. Bernice had no children, but she is very close to her niece and nephew and their families. Someone in the family takes her out to lunch three or four times a week. Her great-niece takes her to do her grocery shopping, errands, and banking twice a week. Bernice has friends who take her to lunch every month. Her family values her and her role as the matriarch because she has outlived everyone else in her generation.

Meet Bernice (continued)

Bernice has been a widow for more than 25 years. Although she misses her husband, she has adjusted well to being a widow. Bernice comes from a long-lived family. Her sisters recently passed away at ages 83 and 88, and her father lived to 82. Two other relatives lived to 94 and 97.

Bernice’s husband was a traveling salesman who was away for as long as six weeks at a time. This circumstance allowed Bernice to get used to being independent and doing things on her own. Bernice still pays all her bills without help. Although Bernice needs help with heavy cleaning, she still cooks for herself and maintains a healthy diet. She has preserved a positive attitude even though she went through a life-threatening illness and hospitalization five years ago.

Meet Mary

Mary is a 96-year-old woman who lives alone in the same apartment that she has rented since 1942. She has been busy all her life and has been working since she was 14 years old. Since she turned 80, she has tried to slow down a bit. She no longer works full time, but she volunteers three to five days a week, either working at her church’s soup kitchen and food pantry or teaching crafts at a senior center. She bounds up the four flights to her apartment with energy to spare. She does not need glasses, and amazingly, she hears as well as she did when she was in her twenties.

Meet Mary (continued)

Mary lost her husband about 15 years ago, but her most recent loss was her 55-year-old boyfriend, who died suddenly of a heart attack. She has had to grow accustomed to these frequent losses as she has outlived many of her age-mates and most of her seven siblings. Mary attributes her ability to persevere to her faith in God and her optimistic personality. She has always had a healthy diet, has never smoked, and only drinks to celebrate — like when she is on a cruise or on a winning run in Las Vegas.

Meet John

John will be 100 on his next birthday, and he does not seem to be either excited or worried about it. He lives in a graduated senior facility. At this time, John has his own room and lives independently. If he becomes ill or infirm, he could be transferred to another area of the facility where he would receive the needed care. John does have a hearing deficit, and he wears a hearing aid. He eats in the dining room and seems to enjoy the social aspect of mealtimes. His niece visits him occasionally.

Meet John (continued)

John has been a widower for quite some time. He seems to have adjusted very well to living alone. Before he retired at age 80, he bought and sold lumber for a company on the East Coast. He enjoyed traveling for his job, but he quit when traveling became too difficult for him. His parents both lived to be around 100, so he does not think living to that age is unusual.

Assessment: Check Your Understanding

Assessment: Check Your Understanding

Assessment: Check Your Understanding

Assessment: Check Your Understanding