TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2018//
TI  - Feeling better at this age? Investigating three explanations for self-rated health improvements among the oldest-old
JO  - Gerontologist
A1  - Vogelsang, Eric M.
SP  - 825
EP  - 834
VL  - 58
IS  - 5
N2  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although the majority of individuals in their 80s or 90s do not experience improving health, a significant portion of this age group either (a) subjectively assess their health as improving; or (b) demonstrate self-rated health improvements when comparing consecutive surveys. While there is a body of research that examines self-rated health declines in older ages, much less work has studied possible determinants of self-rated health improvements. This is important, since there is increasing evidence that oldest-old adults have unique health evaluative processes that are not yet well-understood. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Using 21,155 observations from eight waves of the Asset and Health Dynamics survey (the oldest-old portion of the Health and Retirement Study), I use hierarchical linear models to test three explanations as to why the oldest-old may report or demonstrate self-rated health improvements: (a) normalized pre-existing chronic conditions, (b) positive lifestyle changes, and (c) recovery from recent prior health shocks. <br><br>RESULTS: Health improvements calculated by comparing consecutive surveys were related to a recovery from four particular serious health diagnoses (cancer, stroke, heart disease, and lung disease). Conversely, explicitly reported health improvements were associated with normalizing pre-existing conditions. Lastly, starting a regular exercise routine was related to both types of health improvements; while the cessation of negative health behaviors (i.e., drinking and smoking) was not related to either type. <br><br>DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: These results suggest that while subjective health "improvements" among the oldest-old may be a sign of successful aging, they should be interpreted critically and cautiously.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0016-9013
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnx149
ID  - ref1
ER  -