The International Journal of Cuban Studies

(Online) ISSN 1756-347X

Nutrition and ageing in Villa Clara

This report on multi-disciplinary research into health and nutrition among the Cuban centenarian population of Villa Clara province raises interesting questions about the factors connected with longevity, including gender and ethnicity.

Who are the super survivors? ask Consuelo Prado Martinez, Esmir Camps Calzadilla, Mercedes Gamez Fonseca, Mailin Borroto Castellano and Alberto Fernandez Seco.

Summary

Life expectancy has increased considerably in recent decades and with it the need to understand the aging process. Cuba's demographic indicators are similar to those of the developed world with a 78.97 life expectancy at birth for women and 75.13 for men. At the close of 2007, seniors made up 16.2% of the population. This situation has led to the emergence of another phenomenon: more individuals reaching 100 years of age. There were 1,488 Cuban centenarians by the end of 2007. This investigation looks at the rarity of this phenomenon with regards to gender, genetic predisposition and the influence of lifestyle on longevity and continued good health. It forms part of the Cuban Centenarians project sponsored by the Ministry of Public Health and the Council of State, which highlights the fact that Cuba has the highest health index in Latin America and the Caribbean, comparable to that of developed countries. One of the project's many objectives is to characterize centenarian populations from a somatophysiological and nutritional point of view and then to determine the behavior of the anthropometric, biochemical and nutritional indicators, in an attempt to identify biological and socio-cultural determinants responsible for the differences in longevity between men and women. Another goal is to contribute information regarding methodologies for collecting data and designing a bio-cultural study of aging.

Versión español

centenarians_esp.

Introduction

Aging is a genetically regulated physiological process that is continual and progressive from birth to death in every living being. Longevity has been considered a positive expression of the development of humanity. However, there is no doubt that longevity presents great challenges to health and to society, given that old age brings with it illness and debilitation. Longevity does not always lead to more years enjoyed, but instead to more years in a debilitated state. Advances in biomedical science and improvements in healthcare policies have not only contributed to an increase in life expectancy, but also to a reduction in the proportion of incapacitated elderly. Thus it is possible to suppose that in the future, life expectancy will improve in terms of years and good health. The growing elderly population represents a new biosocial situation in the history of our species that requires a comprehensive understanding of the aging process including variability under different environmental circumstances, gender specific characteristics, genetic control of the process, and the influence of lifestyle on healthful longevity.

Currently the proportion of individuals of advanced age in developed countries (21%) is much higher than that of developing nations (8%). Overall life expectancy gradually increased by 18 years between 1950 and 2005. However despite that general trend, variability exists between and within regions. In Europe, for example, Sweden boasts the highest expectancy for men (77.7) while in Spain women live significantly longer (83.1). In most countries the reduction in mortality has been more pronounced in women than in men. From a generational perspective that means women are living longer and consequently they constitute the majority of elderly in nearly all countries representing 55% of the population over 60 and outnumbering men by some 70 million. Among those over 80 the ratio becomes nearly 2:1, with women comprising 65% of this age group. However, it is important to note that although women live longer, they suffer more debilitation.

The effects of malnutrition on the degenerative process is a controversial topic and a wide range of results can be found among references. Indeed, the affects of malnutrition vary according to the population and even the setting and environment in which the individual lives. For example, it is known that individuals over 60 who are free living in their community experience a very different decline than those who are institutionalized (Díaz et al 2005). Understanding the effects of malnutrition would result in one of the most efficient indicators for predicting mortality in a fairly short period of time. This justifies the need, and the support for, studies designed to reveal the nutritional status of older adults employing the necessary and appropriate resources that at the same time allow findings to be extrapolated to the general populace (Onis et al 1996). That knowledge would enhance intervention aimed at lessening the negative impact of malnutrition and achieving healthy aging.

Download the full pdf version

centenarians_eng

Company Information Page last updated 11 June 2009 Contact Page Owner (Web Team)

Straker Shado CMS