Aging Gracefully: A Retrospective Analysis of Functional Status in Okinawan Centenarians

Objective This study retrospectively explored the late-life functional status of Okinawan centenarians. Methods Activities of daily living were measured retrospectively at five time points (10, 5, 3, and 1 year prior and present) for 22 centenarians in relation to seven physical, two sensory, and two cognitive functions using the Inoue Index. Results In all, 82% of individuals were still functioning independently at a mean age of 92 years and almost two-thirds were still functioning independently at a mean age of 97 years. Conclusion Preliminary analyses suggest high functional status in Okinawan centenarians throughout their 90s. The genetic and environmental factors contributing to this successful aging phenomenon deserve further investigation.