Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Ageing Res Rev. 2024 Jan;93:102170. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102170. Epub 2023 Dec 13.
People with extreme longevity represent a unique model to study the biology of aging. Unfortunately, their inclusion in research projects is challenging with the consequent lack of evidence and the need to rely on small convenience samples. Given the growing global aging population, especially in the segment of the oldest old (i.e., aged 90 and older), research in this population has become crucial. Furthermore, by studying the characteristics of extremely longeval persons, it might be possible to 1) better understand the mechanisms of aging, and 2) identify endogenous or exogenous factors contributing to a long life. The design and implementation of research activities in the oldest people need special consideration and a pragmatic approach. Possible implementable solutions and suggestions are provided from experience gained during the conduction of the FAtigue in CEnTenarians (FACET) study.
具有极端长寿的人代表了一种独特的模型，可以用来研究衰老的生物学。不幸的是，由于缺乏证据，并且需要依赖小的便利样本，因此将他们纳入研究项目具有挑战性。鉴于全球人口老龄化的增长，特别是在最年长的人群（即 90 岁及以上）中，对这一人群的研究变得至关重要。此外，通过研究非常长寿者的特征，可能能够：1）更好地理解衰老的机制，和 2）确定有助于长寿的内源性或外源性因素。在最年长的人中开展研究活动的设计和实施需要特别考虑和务实的方法。在进行疲劳在百岁老人中的研究（FACET）时获得的经验提供了可能实施的解决方案和建议。
