Session 4: Duplicating Aged-Friendly Environmental Factors to Create Areas where People Live longer, healthier and happier
Several studies have estimated that environmental and lifestyle factors can account for 75% of the oldest old’s longevity, while the gene explains for only 25%. But environmental factors (including political, social, economic and physical environments) have not been given much weight in previous centenarian studies. Some environmental factors are not conclusively contributing to longevity, healthiness and happiness. Research and development on the environment for successful aging is therefore an issue that should be discussed.
- There is an observation that the areas with centenarian prevalence is therefore close to the sea, such as islands and peninsulas. They are also located in a rural area and an agricultural society. The question is, can we duplicate these environmental factors for any area to enable its residents to live longer, healthier and happier?
- What environmental factors have been corroborated and proven to be common factors of longevity, healthiness and happiness?
- What direction should research studies pursue to assess the influence of environmental factors on longevity, healthiness and happiness?
Speakers:
1. Stephanie Firestone,
Senior Strategic Policy Advisor, Health & Age-friendly Communities, AARP International
2. Asst. Prof. Dr. Sariyamon Tiraphat,
Lecturer in Health Development, ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University
3. Dr. Layne Hartsell,
Research Professor at the Center for Ethics in Science and Technology, Department of Philosophy, Chulalongkorn University
4. Dr. Atthaphon Kaewsamrit,
Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand