Descriptive Summary | |
Title: Georgia Centenarian Study records | |
Creator: University of Georgia. Gerontology Center | |
Inclusive Dates: 1988-2009 | |
Language(s): English | |
Extent: 134 Linear Feet (134 boxes) | |
Collection Number: UA0139 | |
Repository: University of Georgia Archives |
A keystone research project at the Institute of Gerontology is the Georgia Centenarian Study of longevity and survival of the oldest old, led by the Institute Director Emeritus, Leonard W. Poon, and funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute of Aging. An unprecedented number of elders in the coming decades will face the risks of disease, frailty, and dependence. The population at the highest risk is the oldest of the old who are increasing at the fastest rate among those who are 65 years and older.
Centenarians by definition are survivors who have lived to at least 100, which is more than 20 years longer than the average life expectancy. A fundamental challenge is to understand how centenarians live longer and what specific biological, psychological, and sociological characteristics they possess that would allow them to survive longer. Another basic challenge is whether we could generalize the knowledge gained in our volumes of aging research to individuals of average life expectancy, which is in their 70s (e.g., the MacArthur Study), to individuals who live 20 to 30 years longer.
At the extreme longevity of the human species, centenarians represent the ultimate range of independence and dependence, frailty and strength. There is much to be learned from centenarians about survival, disease, frailty, and independence, for all who hope to maintain health and a successful quality of life in older adulthood. The Georgia Centenarian Study is broken into 3 phases: Phase 1 (1988-1992), Phase 2 (1992-1998) and Phase 3 (2001-2009).
This collection consists of the notes; minutes and reports; interviews and transcripts; publicity and marketing material; and data generated by the Georgia Centenarian Study.
Names are confidential, collection available for use and/or copying only with permission of the current Director of the Institute of Gerontology, or the Director of Hargrett Library, or his designee.
Georgia Centenarian Study records, UA0139, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.
Related collections in this repository: Belle Boone Beard centenarian papers, ms1638, and Georgia centenarian study archives, ms2828.