Aging & Social Change: Ninth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

The world’s older population is growing at unprecedented rates; the proportion aged ≥60 is projected to reach 22% in 2050, double the figure in 2015, with particularly marked growth in “older old” populations. Societal responses need to be based on good data from populations, both quantitative and qualitative. Here we present data from a rare 28-year-long study of older old people, the Cambridge City over-75s Cohort. Structured interviews were conducted with a total of 2610 participants aged 75+ years at baseline (1985-87) followed-up until all participants had died through 9 additional survey waves ending in 2013. The paper describes quantitatively physical, mental, and social profiles of the cohort across the waves. Social wellbeing is captured through questions on social relationships, social networks, social support, and social participation. Physical health is assessed from self-reported comorbidities and the level of impairment in activities of daily living is used as a proxy for disability. The Mini-Mental State Examination test and a depressive symptoms score provide indicators of brain health. The relationship of the positive dimensions across the waves are explored in relation to socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, marital status, education, social class, and living situation. Utilization of health and social care services is a main study outcome, expected to be related to cognitive impairment, disability, and physical and mental health status. Whether social wellbeing changes this relationship is explored.