The European Journal of Public Health Advance Access published online on November 30, 2009
The European Journal of Public Health, doi:10.1093/eurpub/ckp192
The ‘secrets’ of the long livers in Mediterranean islands: the MEDIS study
Eleni Tourlouki1, Evangelos Polychronopoulos1, Akis Zeimbekis2, Nikos Tsakountakis3, Vassiliki Bountziouka1, Eirini Lioliou1, Eftichia Papavenetiou1, Anna Polystipioti1, George Metallinos1, Stefanos Tyrovolas1, Efthimios Gotsis1, Antonia-Leda Matalas1, Christos Lionis3 and Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos1
1 Department of Nutrition Science – Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
2 Health Centre of Kalloni, General Hospital of Mitilini, Mitilini, Greece
3 Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
Correspondence: Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos, 46 Paleon Polemiston St., Glyfada, 166 74, Attica, Greece, tel: +30 21 0960 3116, fax: +30 21 0960 0719, e-mail: htourloukis{at}hotmail.com
Received July 13, 2009 , accepted October 23, 2009
Background: The aim of the present work was to evaluate various socio-demographic, clinical, lifestyle and psychological characteristics of elderly (>65 years) and very elderly (>90 years) individuals without known cardiovascular disease. Methods: During 2005–7, 1190 elderly (aged >65) men and women (from Cyprus, Mitilini, Samothraki, Cephalonia, Crete, Lemnos, Corfu and Zakynthos) were randomly enrolled. Socio-demographic, clinical, psychological and lifestyle factors were assessed using standard questionnaires and procedures. Results: From all islands, the proportion of males aged 65–80, 80–90 and >90 years was 71.8, 24.8 and 3.4%, respectively. The proportion of women, for the same age categories, was 80.4, 17.9 and 1.7%, respectively. Walking and other activities significantly declined with age (P < 0.001); however, nearly one in five participants over the age of 90 years remained physically active. Current smoking significantly declined in males as age increased (P < 0.001). All participants above the age of 90 years reported sleeping at noon. The proportion of participants living alone differs significantly (P < 0.001) across the three age groups. However, considerably more women live alone (men vs. women living alone: aged 65–80 years 12 vs. 37%; 80–90 years 16 vs. 55%; >90 years 52 vs. 55%). Dietary characteristics of The Mediterranean Islands Study (MEDIS) sample display a favourable adherence to dietary recommendations (Mediterranean diet). Conclusion: A favourable adherence to the Mediterranean diet, mid-day naps and smoking cessation with an increase in age was characteristic of our elderly population. Future research should further evaluate whether the aforementioned characteristics are associated with longevity beyond the average life expectancy.
Keywords: diet, elderly, long-lived, physical activity, vital status