Geriatric syndromes in a centenarians population

Abstract

Background: Centenarians develop diseases later than younger populations.

Aims: Assessment of geriatric syndromes in centenarians living in Marseille in 2020.

Methods: Observational preliminary study describing centenarians living in the Marseille area, being part of the patients base of the general practitioners (GPs).

Results: Twenty-two centenarians were enrolled, including seventeen women (77.3%). Thirteen centenarians lived in nursing homes (NH) and nine in private housing (PH). All were dependent for daily living activities and 78.9% used walkers to get around. GPs consultations were exclusively home visits (in NH or PH). Centenarians living in NH presented more cognitive impairments, more comorbidities, and fewer hospitalizations during the past year compared to centenarians living in PH.

Discussion: Although centenarians represent a model of successful aging for society, all were dependent and had at least one geriatric syndrome.

Conclusions: Maintaining centenarians at home requires technical aids and intervention of several professional caregivers relying on family support.

Keywords: Centenarians; Geriatric syndromes; Nursing homes; Private housing.