Perspectives on Centenarian Research

Abstract

Increased emphasis on centenarian research is needed in order to probe the nature of life near the end of the potential span of the species, gain insights into major historical events, assess beliefs and attitudes that may have persisted, and ponder the implications of such longevity on social institutions. The recent acquisition by the University of Georgia of the extensive centenarian data files of Belle Boone Beard is stimulating research on the very old. Efforts to date include identifying and collecting demographic data from living centenarians or their caregivers, examining the at titudes of youth toward different age groups of the elderly and centenarians' attitudes toward youth, and conducting intensive life history interviews with a limited number of persons 100 years old or older. The rapid increase of the very old population sug gests that colleges and universities have an opportunity as well as an obligation to probe the nature and implications of "second century" people.