Ben Eiseman1. 1. University of Colorado Hospital, Denver, CO 80262, USA. Ben.Eiseman@UCHSC.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review the lifestyle and expectations of a group of 86- to 87-year-old Yale College graduates at the time of their 65th reunion and to compare the results with equivalent data from the general public. METHODS: A five-page questionnaire was sent to the 263 living survivors of the Yale College class of 1939 at the time of their 65th reunion. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-one replies were received, some only partially completed. Median survival was 79 years. Among the more interesting results was a wide discrepancy (optimism) between the perceived quality of life and that which one would anticipate from the many physical disabilities of the study group. CONCLUSION: This is by nature a self-selected group of male octogenarians, but their lifestyle and medical disabilities fit with the general population; their attitude toward being elderly is remarkably positive, and their personal and civic performance continues beyond expectations.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review the lifestyle and expectations of a group of 86- to 87-year-old Yale College graduates at the time of their 65th reunion and to compare the results with equivalent data from the general public. METHODS: A five-page questionnaire was sent to the 263 living survivors of the Yale College class of 1939 at the time of their 65th reunion. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-one replies were received, some only partially completed. Median survival was 79 years. Among the more interesting results was a wide discrepancy (optimism) between the perceived quality of life and that which one would anticipate from the many physical disabilities of the study group. CONCLUSION: This is by nature a self-selected group of male octogenarians, but their lifestyle and medical disabilities fit with the general population; their attitude toward being elderly is remarkably positive, and their personal and civic performance continues beyond expectations.
Authors: Selam Negash; Glenn E Smith; Shane Pankratz; Jeremiah Aakre; Yonas E Geda; Rosebud O Roberts; David S Knopman; Bradley F Boeve; Robert J Ivnik; Ronald C Petersen Journal: Am J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2011-06 Impact factor: 4.105