George C. Myers

A comparative study of successful aging in three Asian countries

The purpose of this research is to examine successful aging in three Asian countries, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, using data from the WHO regional studies of Health and Social Aspects of Aging. Successful aging is defined as having no ADL difficulties, and at most, one Nagi difficulty. For the most part, the results are similar to those using more developed populations in that gender, age, no morbid conditions, positive attitude toward ones own aging and the ability to manage money are all correlated with successful aging. An interesting finding is that for the least developed country, Indonesia, being an unskilled worker is significantly associated with increased odds for successful aging. The final section of the paper discusses the theoretical implications regarding a disability transition for elderly populations as countries develop. We also focus on the current political and economic situations in the countries under study, and consider the possible impacts on elderly health.

Geographic morbidity differentials in the late nineteenth-century united states

We use a national cross-sectional database, the 1880 Integrated Public Use Microdata Sample, to examine aggregate patterns and individual-level estimates of chronic-disease morbidity and long-term disability in the United States in the late nineteenth century. Despite higher levels of urban mortality in 1880, morbidity prevalence rates were highest in the rural areas of the country, especially in the western and the southern regions. Equations using microdata show that the estimated risk of chronic disease and impairment was highest for males and females who were older, of lower socioeconomic status, or from rural areas. This era was marked by geographically uneven but significant levels of endemic chronic disease, likely the outcomes of prior episodes of infectious disease and exposure to conditions generated by human action, such as the Civil War and migration.

Recent trends in multiple-caused mortality 1968 to 1982: Age and cohort components

Declines in mortality at advanced ages have been observed recently in the United States. These declines have been related to a reduction in the risk of major circulatory diseases, such as stroke and heart disease. In this paper we examine the contribution of two additional major factors in those declines. The first is the effect of conditions associated with circulatory diseases. This effect can be examined by using multiple-cause mortality data in which all conditions reported by the physician on the death certificates are recorded. The second is the contribution of cohort mortality differentials to temporal changes. If major cohort differentials are identified, we may be able to determine if recent declines in mortality are likely to continue-and to what levels. Such insights would be useful both in improving projections of the size and age structure of the U.S. elderly population and its entitlement groups and in helping to identify future patterns of needs for preventive and other health services.

Age- and sex-differentials in morbidity at the start of an epidemiological transition: Returns from the 1880 U.S. Census

This paper uses a new data set, the Public Use file of the 1880 U.S. Census of the Population, to examine national point prevalence rates of adult morbidity over the early phase of the United States epidemiologic transition. These historical data report health status at the individual level and allow the analysis of age and sex differentials in morbidity. Point prevalence rates of morbidity by major cause show that males generally had higher rates of morbidity and long-term disability than females, especially at mid-life and in old age. But large sex differences in the distribution of conditions by major cause occurred over two portions of the life course: in early adulthood and in old age. Age and sex differences in the distribution of adult morbidity reflected the health status divide of the communicable and degenerative conditions.

State Demographic Centers: Their Current Status

Abstract Population data, particularly those related to national census and survey information, serve the program and planning needs of a broad range of both public and private activities. In recent years, demand for such demographic information has increased particularly rapidly at the state and local levels of government. In response, many states have established identifiable governmental units responsible for providing a range of census-related services and data to both public and private agencies. These units also maintain gubernatorially approved liaison activities with the U.S. Bureau of the Census. Such state government demographic centers vary considerably among states with respect to organizational location, resources, and program scope, according to the results of a recent survey of state governments in the South. This article presents the results of this survey, which is the first systematic description of these state centers; the article discusses the role of state demographic centers in the c...

Morbidity, Disability, and Mortality: The Aging Connection

This chapter discusses the use of demographic data and methods for evaluating the implications that emanate from changing patterns of population growth, medical treatment, and health care utilization. Forecasting the impact to be anticipated from population aging and from improved management of specific chronic diseases will become an integral feature of the future health care system, and will require increasingly sophisticated life table methods. Extensions in life table methodology are described that can enhance our ability to realistically model the age dynamics and interrelationships of morbidity, disability, and mortality. Current mortality patterns suggest that the longevity of those reaching old age is indeed being increased, but without compressing the ages at which death occurs. Such changes appear to be due less to an elimination of chronic diseases than to a reduction of their lethal effects, and seem likely to continue as trends in future years.

Emerging Demographic Changes in an Ageing World: an Overview

Abstract. This overview reviews the presentations on demographic trends that were given at the IAG Congress in Adelaide and the pre‐Congress satellite in Singapore. It provides a framework for the field of the demography of ageing, and suggests some promising future research directions. The presentations provided the main features of trends in the demography of population ageing occurring in the main regions of the world. Highlights include the diversity that is found between and within regions, which stem mainly from variations in the pace of the demographic transitions towards lower levels of fertility and mortality. Notable changes also are occurring in the demography of the aged population. These include the growth of the oldest‐old, increasing proportions of females at the older ages, and important emergent cohort differences in those reaching the older ages. One thrust of future demographic activity will be to provide more realistic population projections of future trends, especially for countries that are showing super‐ageing. A second direction will be more concerted attention to cohort developments, which are particularly crucial in determining social, economic and political responses to changing population structures. A third will be greater attention to changing family structures and behaviours. Finally, there is growing interest in the field of biodemography that draws social scientists, demographers and biologists to focus on interdisciplinary aspects of morbidity, disability and mortality dynamics.