Exploring the biopsychosocial correlates of longevity in geriatric population

Khushi Bajaj
Christ University, Bangalore
MSC Clinical Psychology
Mr. Eldhose
15th September 2022
Aim
To identify the biopsychosocial correlates of longevity in geriatric population.
Background of the study
Webster’s dictionary defines longevity as “a long duration of individual life” (Merriam-
Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 1999). Longevity may be related to a variety of factors
including heredity, gender, and medical care ( Robine, Vaupel & Allard, 1997).
According to American Psychiatric Association, longevity refers to the actual length of
an individual’s life (APA,1992). It is the capability to live past the average age of death (De
Benedictis and Franceschi, 2006).
From a psychological perspective, the concept of longevity can be seen in relation to
cognitive capabilities, character-traits and aspects of wellness; their inter-mingling with
everyday routine is showcased in adaptation to demands presented by nature. Thus,
psychology of longevity presents a non-deterministic approach at the crossroad of biological
and social influences, with particular concentration on biological constraints and socio-
economic requirements for cognitive and emotional aspects (Fernández-Ballesteros &
Sánchez-Izquierdo, 2019). All of these domains will be administered in the study.
Significance of the study
In India, due to Coronavirus Pandemic, has caused a drop in the life expectancy of the
entire country by almost two years, the statistical analysis by scientists of International
Institute for Population Studies (IIPS,2019), the report said that the life expectancy at birth in
2019 was 69.5 years for men and 72 years for women, which came down to 67.5 years and
69.8 years respectively, in 2020.
Latest studies indicate that among people who reach their 90s and 100s, only 35% have
longevity (Crimmins, 2015). Currently, more people fit in the age group of 65 years than ever
before, the uncertainity of a pandemic has drastically hit this population; hence, choosing
geriatric population for our study.
Review of Literature
A study by (Griffin et al., 2013) found that people’s ideas of their possible age of death
were associated with biomedical and genetic factors (age, health diagnosis), health
behaviours (exercise, diet) and psychosocial factors (optimism, distress) but not to
socioeconomic factors (income, education). Findings show that individuals have abilities to
form an understanding of personal life expectancy, based on factors proven to be associated
with actual life expectancy.
 A study on genetic factors associated with longevity in humans done by Sara Bozzini
(2017), life expectancy and rate of survival in old age have risen dramatically in the past
century. The positive ageing may be due to healthy lifestyle, though it has a genetic basis of
20-35%. The conclusion and key results of the study portray that longevity may account for a
complex polygenic trait; furthermore, epigenetic and environmental factors act on longevity
phenotype.
A study on prediction of longevity from both individual and family perspectives
(Lvqing Miao,et.al.,2022) explored prediction of longevity, keeping the demographic and
psychological factors in picture. 186 longevous and 237 ordinary elderly family members
took part in it; whereas 62 and 57 respectively of each group were selected for comparative
research. Results showed that it was three times more female than male in former group. Up
to 71.2% of longevous elderly had no education, lower than ordinary elderly. Less than one
seventh of the former maintained habit of smoking and one-third liked drinking. In terms of
psychosocial factors, the former showed low neuroticism, but high extraversion, compared to
the other group. It can be concluded that good emotional management, support and
moderation of habits are important for individual longevity and intergenerational influence of
personality is related to family longevity.
A study on Factors Affecting Life Excpectancy: Evidence from 1980-2009 Data in
Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand done by (Chan & Devi, 2015), examines impact of
demographic changes, socioeconomic inequality and availability of healthcare resources on
life expectancy in the three countries. The study revealed that availability of more healthcare
and higher levels of socioeconomic advantages increase life expectancy.
A study conducted by (Passarino et al., 2016) says that healthy aging and longevity in
humans are modulated by lucky combination of genetic and non-genetic factors; 25 % of the
differences found in human longevity is due to biological factors like genes. The search for
genetic basis of aging has led to the identification of genes correlated with maintenance of
cell as the main genetic factors affecting the individual variation of the aging phenotype.
Although the common variability accounts for only 25 % of human lifespan variability, the
knowledge of the genetic basis modulating longevity may give significant hints on
modulating lifestyle in order to attain longevity.
 Method

Research design

The study is narrative in nature. Narrative research explores and conceptualizes

human experience as it is represented in textual form. It aims for a deep analysis of the
meanings people give to their life experiences, narrative researchers work with small samples
of participants to obtain rich and free-ranging discourse (Josselson, n.d.)

Sample and sampling technique

For studying longevity, a retired woman of age 75 was chosen. It was a convenience
sample for the purpose of conducting a semi structured interview.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Currently, more people fit in the age group of 65 years than ever before, the
uncertainity of a pandemic has drastically hit this population; hence, choosing geriatric
population for our study. A 70+ participant was chosen, taking into account the current life
expectancy in India in recent years and how they have been affected for the particular
population due to pandemic.

Data collection

A semi-structured interview technique was employed as the tool for data collection.
The interview schedule was based on biological, psychological and social factors, with two
variables each. Overall, each question gave insight into a different facet related to longevity.

Procedure

The participant was asked for consent before taking the interview and recording it.
Rapport formation was carried out with the participant. The interview was carried out for
about 40 minutes. After taking the interview, the participant was thanked for cooperation.

Data Analysis
 The technique used for analysis in this study is Thematic Network Analysis. Thematic
analyses seek to unearth the themes salient in a text at different levels, and thematic networks
aim to facilitate the structuring and depiction of these themes (Druhora, n.d.)

Ethical Considerations
The ethical considerations of the study are confidentiality, voluntary participation,
informed consent and debriefing.
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