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. 2023 Aug 24;63(7):1110-1116.
doi: 10.1093/geront/gnad031.

Dual Functionality in Later Life

Kenneth F Ferraro  1   2 , Shawn Bauldry  1   2 , Madison R Sauerteig-Rolston  1   2 , Patricia A Thomas  1   2
Affiliations

Dual Functionality in Later Life

Kenneth F Ferraro et al. Gerontologist. .

Abstract

Gerontologists have long shown interest in both longevity and quality of life during later life, but considerable debate has ensued as scholars sought to integrate the two. Drawing from research on the topics of exceptional longevity, successful aging, and active life expectancy, we propose the concept of dual functionality to examine how humans reach advanced ages while maintaining physical and cognitive function. Dual functionality refers to being free of both physical and cognitive impairment. The loss of dual functionality challenges social networks to respond to the functional loss and is a harbinger of additional losses. Evidence of change in the percent of the older population maintaining dual functionality would be helpful for evaluating public health policies to aid quality of life during later life. This article is based on the first author's Robert W. Kleemeier Award Lecture at The Gerontological Society of America 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting.

Keywords: Cognitive function; Dual-function life expectancy; Optimal aging; Physical function.

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Conflict of interest statement

None declared.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Venn diagrams of dual functionality during middle age and later life.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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