Survey Says Centenarians Using New Technology;
Saying Recession Worse Than Depression
Use of text messages, IM and iPods increasing among
100-year olds
May 4, 2010 - The national poll of 100 Americans
turning 100 years of age or older this year reveals these centenarians
are staying connected to family, friends, current events and pop culture
and are increasingly using the latest technologies, including text
messages, IMs and iPods, compared with two years ago.
In addition, centenarians weighed in on societal
issues and values in this fifth annual Evercare 100@100 Survey for
Evercare by UnitedHealthcare.
Thirty percent feel the current recession is more
severe than the 1930s Great Depression, and 90 percent believe that
volunteering will create a stronger, healthier America. Eighty-nine
percent say they want to be remembered most as a good parent - more so
than as a good spouse, friend or employee.
"Part of our mission as a health and well-being
company is to guide Americans on the road to healthy aging and
longevity, and who better to serve as a 'GPS navigator' than our
centenarians," said Dr. Mark Leenay, UnitedHealthcare senior vice
president of medical management and physician services.
New study focused on television watching but
suggests any prolonged sedentary behavior, such as sitting at a desk or
in front of a computer, may pose a health risk, too
"The Evercare 100@100 survey each year reinforces
what we know as clinical experts: that making sound lifestyle choices -
not just about health and exercise, but by staying connected to social
networks and embracing new trends - is the pathway to a long, healthy
life."
The most recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau
shows that there are currently about 84,000 centenarians living in the
U.S. That number is projected to increase seven-fold to 580,000 by 2040.
Evercare, a leading care coordination program that offers support to
Older Americans in nursing homes, hospice care and services for family
caregivers, currently has more than 1,000 centenarians among its health
plan membership.
This year's survey also compares centenarians'
lifestyles and beliefs with those of another group of "seniors" - those
graduating from college. While more young Americans are expected to
reach their 100th birthday than their predecessors, they also face
health challenges their predecessors did not, such as an increasing
prevalence of obesity and diabetes.
Among the key findings of the 2010 Evercare
100@100 Survey:
"OMG! GR8 Grandma Texting, Using an iPod and
Working Out with Wii Fit!"
● More than 80 percent of the centenarians
surveyed say they talk to/communicate with a friend or family member
daily. The survey also uncovered an increase in the number of
centenarians who say they are using text messaging, IMs, iPods and other
technologies.
● Eight percent of centenarians surveyed say
they have sent someone a text message or an instant message, compared to
just 1 percent two years ago.
● Twelve percent of centenarians surveyed have
listened to music on an iPod or similar device, up from 4 percent three
years ago.
● Other technologies centenarians have used
include: YouTube (11 percent), TiVo (5 percent); Facebook (2 percent);
and Nintendo's Wii Fit (1 percent).
Keeping Up with Celebrity Gossip
● Centenarians chose Betty White (57 percent) as
their top dinner guest, edging out Bill Cosby (55 percent), the No. 1
guest for the last two years. Rounding out the top five are Bill Clinton
(54 percent), Michelle Obama (44 percent), Sarah Palin and Nancy Pelosi
(tied at 31 percent). Actually, Bill Cosby was the top choice among
college seniors (72 percent).
● Two years ago Tiger Woods came in second
behind Bill Cosby as centenarians' top dinner guest pick. This year, 57
percent of centenarians surveyed say he would not be invited.
Comparing Today's Recession with the Great
Depression
● Centenarians have weathered many an economic
storm. When asked about the current recession, 30 percent of
centenarians surveyed say that it is more severe than the Great
Depression, and more than a third (35 percent) say that the recession
has affected their ability to continue to live out their
retirement/end-of-life plans.
"Eat. Pray. Exercise." - Centenarians Reveal
Lifestyle Choices for a Long Life
In the current era where obesity and related
diseases such as diabetes and heart disease threaten to shorten the
lives of America's youth, centenarians surveyed again remind us that
choosing healthy foods and exercising are essential for a long, healthy
life.
● Three out of four centenarians surveyed say
they eat nutritionally balanced meals every day, while only 44 percent
of college seniors say they do the same. Nearly one-third of the
centenarians say they eat organic foods regularly.
● Forty-one percent of centenarians surveyed say
they walk or hike at least once a week; 31 percent garden; 6 percent
practice Tai Chi, yoga or meditate; 5 percent play a sport such as
basketball, tennis, baseball or soccer; 4 percent ride a bike; and 2
percent run.
● 62 percent of centenarians surveyed pray,
meditate or engage in spiritual activity daily.
"Raise Your Hand" - Both Groups of Seniors Say
Volunteering Is Important for Health
Several studies have shown the benefits of
volunteering on people's health and well-being, and the Evercare 100@100
Survey findings support this theory:
● Nearly 20 percent of centenarians surveyed say
they currently do some type of volunteer work.
● Nine in 10 centenarians and 94 percent of
college seniors agree that volunteering can help create a stronger,
healthier America.
"The bottom line in longevity is consistent and
clear: be active until you can't. Stay connected and engaged. Try new
things and challenge yourself. These are the common themes among those
who live into their later years," said Dr. Leenay.
GfK Roper interviewed 100 centenarians (ages 99 and
higher at the time of the interview) by telephone between March 22-April
1, 2010, obtained from a non-probability sample of older Americans. The
poll did not include older respondents whose potentially frail condition
would not allow them to participate in a telephone interview. Therefore,
the responses for these centenarians should be interpreted as being
indicative (not statistically representative) of the views of healthy
and articulate Americans in this age range. GfK Roper also conducted a
total of 1,002 online interviews between March 22-April 2, 2010, with
U.S. residents age 20-22 who expect to graduate from a four-year college
or university in 2010.
About Evercare
Evercare by UnitedHealthcare is one of the nation's
largest health care coordination programs for people who have, long-term
or advanced illness, are older or have disabilities. Founded in 1987,
Evercare serves people through Medicare special needs plans, hospice
care, and caregiver support programs. Evercare's integrated care model
delivers personalized health care services that help people stay healthy
and independent in the most appropriate setting of their choice. For
more information about Evercare visit www.AboutEvercare.com.
Keep up with the latest news for senior citizens, baby
boomers
May 4, 2010 - The national poll of 100 Americans
turning 100 years of age or older this year reveals these centenarians
are staying connected to family, friends, current events and pop culture
and are increasingly using the latest technologies, including text
messages, IMs and iPods, compared with two years ago. 
