Predictors of normal and successful aging among urban-dwelling elderly Brazilians

J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2009 Sep;64(5):597-602. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbp059. Epub 2009 Jul 15.

Abstract

The association of successful aging with demographic, socioeconomic, and medical characteristics in healthy community-dwelling Brazilian individuals aged 60 years and older (N = 345) was investigated. Participants were classified as successful (n = 214, 62%) or normal (n = 131, 38%) agers. Successful agers participated in significantly more leisure activities (34%) than did normal agers (21%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of living children was a risk factor, whereas confidants and family income were protective factors for successful aging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology
  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Aged
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Brazil
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Developing Countries*
  • Family Characteristics
  • Female
  • Friends / psychology
  • Geriatric Assessment
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Leisure Activities
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Social Support
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Urban Population*