The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) began in 1958 to study what it means to get older and how humans age. BLSA examines older populations aged 70 and above, measuring changes in health. This longitudinal study of aging is conducted in collaboration with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). The study involves tracking changes in health, functional status, and living arrangements as more of the aging population moves into later stages of life.
The BLSA comprises four surveys: the 1984 Supplement of Aging (SOA), the 1984-1990 Longitudinal Study of Aging (LSOA), the 1994 Second Supplement of Aging (SOA II), and the 1994-2000 Second Longitudinal Study of Aging (LSOA II).
The Supplement of Aging
This survey is conducted in collaboration with the Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA). It involves 16,148 NHIS participants aged 55 and older, a majority age group in 1984. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the goals of the SOA are to “characterize the health and social status of individuals 55 and older, how certain factors influence aging individuals’ health, enhance care, provide information about factors that influence individuals’ ability to live independently, and form the basis for prospective study.” The survey explores various aspects, including family structure, living arrangements, activities of daily living, utilization of health services, and nursing home stays.
The Longitudinal Study of Aging
This prospective study of aging comprises 7,527 civilians who were not institutionalized during the SOA interview. The cohort was then followed until 1986, 1988, and 1990. Baseline interviews began face-to-face in a home setting, and follow-up interviews were conducted using computer-aided technology. The design of the LSOA aims to measure changes in functional status, provide mortality rates based on demographics, and gather information on healthcare usage over time.
Conclusions
The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging has yielded significant findings. Firstly, it has been discovered that changes associated with aging do not inevitably lead to diseases like diabetes, hypertension, or dementia but rather occur due to disease processes. Secondly, there has yet to be a universal timeline for human aging. Aging happens at different rates, and the changes and developments observed vary between older and younger populations. Three key factors that influence aging are genetics, lifestyle choices, and disease processes.
In conclusion, the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging provides valuable insights into aging. Studying older populations over time enhances our understanding of health changes and helps debunk certain misconceptions about aging. The findings from this study shed light on the factors influencing aging, offering opportunities for improving care and overall well-being for older individuals.
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By: Kathleen Chavez
Senior Care Advising Intern at WellPath Partners
Health Care Administration Student, California State University, Long Beach
