Factors Affecting Mortality in the Aberdeen 1921 Birth Cohort
Author Information
Author(s): John M Starr, Ian J Deary, Lawrence J Whalley
Primary Institution: University of Edinburgh
Hypothesis
Does childhood intelligence affect mortality in advanced old age?
Conclusion
Physical and psychological factors, particularly respiratory function and executive function, independently predict survival in old age.
Supporting Evidence
- 44.6% of the cohort members had died by the census date.
- Lower cognitive test scores at age 76 were linked to higher mortality.
- Men had a higher mortality rate than women during the follow-up period.
Takeaway
This study looked at people born in 1921 and found that how well they did on tests when they were kids can help predict if they live longer when they are older.
Methodology
Participants were assessed at age 76, and their vital status was tracked until 2007 using survival analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of participants with unknown vital status.
Limitations
The narrow age range limits generalizability, and the sample size may miss important effects in small sub-groups.
Participant Demographics
Participants were all born in 1921, with 202 males and 152 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.022
Confidence Interval
95% C.I. 0.11–0.89 for women versus men
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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