Natural history of male psychological health, XII: a 45-year study of predictors of successful aging at age 65

Article Abstract:

A group of men whose mental health had been evaluated at an earlier age was studied to determine what factors best predict good psychological and physical health. First interviewed as college sophomores, the men were re-evaluated at the ages of 25, 30, between 47 and 57, and at retirement age. About 80 percent of the original group of 204 remained active participants in the study. Five variables were most important for good adjustment later in life. Men with long-lived ancestors were in better physical health than those with shorter-lived ancestors, although they did not necessarily possess better psychological health. The other four factors that predicted better adjustment on both the psychological and physical levels were: sustained familial relationships, maturity of the men's defense systems, the absence of alcoholism, and the absence of depressive disorder. The strongest single predictor of poor mental and physical health at age 65 was the use of mood-altering drugs (such as tranquilizers) before the age of 50. Surprisingly, some factors usually considered to exert a significant influence upon mental and physical adjustment in younger people were not as important for these 65-year-old men. These included death of parents, possession of a "sociable" personality, childhood socioeconomic class, and scholastic aptitude in college. The subjects in this study were highly homogeneous, with good health and favorable career opportunities; as such, the results may not be applicable to people with different characteristics. However, the results offer hope that the severity of certain personality problems may diminish with age. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Health aspects, Aging, Middle aged men, Aged men, Elderly men

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John Bowlby, 1907-1990

Article Abstract:

John Bowlby will count as one of the greatest figures in 21st century psychiatry. He is credited with developing a unified understanding of psychoanalysis, cognitive psychology and evolutionary biology. Bowlby was born on Feb. 26, 1907, in London, England. His education included studies at the Royal Naval College as well as Cambridge. He completed his medical studies at the University College Hospital, London. Among other works, he wrote the books 'Personal Aggressiveness and War,' and 'Maternal Care and Mental Health.' He died in 1990.

Bowlby, John

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Jules Baillarger, 1809-1891

Article Abstract:

Jules Baillarger contributed several breakthroughs to the advancement of psychiatric science. He gave the first modern clinical description of manic-depressive illness in 1854 and gave a description and theory of hallucinations in 1844. He was appointed chief of psychiatry at La Salpetriere in 1849 and started the Annales Medico-Psychologiques journal in 1843. He was also the founder of the Societe Medico-Psychologique.

Baillarger, Jules

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