Healthful Patterns of Ageing and Longevity
摘要
The chapter attempts to unfold the secret of longevity through evidence-based discussion of “healthy longevity” and how to achieve it. The concept of “healthy longevity” is presented to encompass not just the extension of life, but also the quality of life in old age. A series of studies focusing on centenarians from diverse geographical locations, including the United States and Japan, are summarized to highlight the combined effect of distal and proximal factors on longevity. Factors such as personality, social support, physical, functional and emotional health and health behaviors are discussed as facilitators of healthy ageing. The chapter reveals that “secret” to living longer lies in a combination of genetics, personality, good health behaviors and social support.