Title : Regional differences in physical, cognitive, and functional characteristics of Korean centenarians and Near-Centenarians
Abstract:
Background: The number of centenarians is rapidly increasing worldwide, particularly in South Korea, yet little is known about how residential environments influence health and functional characteristics in this population. This study investigated regional differences among Korean centenarians and near-centenarians residing in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Methods: A total of 270 adults aged ≥95 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were classified into urban (n=99), suburban (n=55), and rural (n=116) groups according to the United Nations Degree of Urbanisation classification. Structured face-to-face interviews and standardized physical assessments were conducted to evaluate sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, chronic diseases, physical performance, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, physical activity, and activities of daily living.
Results: Significant regional differences were observed across multiple health domains. Urban participants demonstrated higher body weight, body mass index, and grip strength than rural participants. They also reported a greater prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic diseases. Suburban participants showed the highest levels of daily physical activity and the broadest activity range, while demonstrating greater independence in hygiene and dressing. Rural participants had the fewest years of education and the highest proportion of suspected dementia based on the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination. Although rural participants showed greater dependency in basic activities of daily living, they were more independent in meal preparation than urban participants.
Conclusions: Residential environment is associated with distinct physical, cognitive, and functional characteristics among Korean centenarians and near-centenarians. These findings suggest that region-specific public health strategies and community-based interventions are needed to promote healthy aging and functional independence in the oldest-old population. Future aging policies should consider regional disparities when developing healthcare services and preventive programs for centenarians.
