How does old age evolve? Are we more hampered in our daily activities by illnesses and disabilities, or are our living conditions improving? British researchers have looked into the question by studying data from seniors between 1991 and 2011. They believe that women gained 2 years of healthy life, and men 3.7 years. The results of the study appeared in the journal PLOS Medicine.
Medicine continues to make progress, and in fact, our life expectancy in good conditions, that is to say by being able to manage all one’s daily tasks oneself, is affected. This does not mean that one cannot suffer from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, or coronary diseases… But that despite this, one is able to live in good health.
Women have a longer life expectancy in good health than men
The researchers immersed themselves in two studies, one between 1991 and 1993, the other between 2008 and 2011 with each time more than 7,000 people aged over 65. They were followed for two years in order to determine (depending on their illnesses, handicaps, etc.) in what conditions their daily lives unfolded.
Healthy life increased for both sexes past age 65. Men have earned more than women: 3.7 years. The latter gained 2.1 years. That said, women still have an overall better healthy life expectancy than their male counterparts. : 64.1 years for them, 62.7 years for them.
Have had a stroke or suffering from a chronic illness are no longer synonymous with addiction, we can have a “good health” daily life despite this. On the other hand, the results are quite different when it comes to cognitive diseases, those who suffer from it do not gain a life expectancy in good health, this disorder is always associated with a drop in the quality of life.
Source : A comparison over 2 decades of disability-free life expectancy at age 65 years for those with long-term conditions in England: Analysis of the 2 longitudinal Cognitive Function and Aging Studies, PLOS Medicine03/15/22.
Read also:
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- Senior health: the 15 keys to longevity
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