Is Parental Longevity Associated With the Cardiovascular Risk and the Successful Aging of Their Offspring? Results From the Multinational MEDIS Study

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of parental longevity and parental cardiovascular disease (CVD) history in CVD risk and successful aging of a random sample of older adults living in the Mediterranean basin and who participated in the MEDiterranean Islands (MEDIS) study. During 2005 to 2011, 2663 elders were voluntarily enrolled. A multidimensional successful aging index consisting of 10 components was used. Paternal and maternal longevity was defined as those older participants of whom both parents lived above the age of 90. The burden of CVD-related factors (CVD-RFs) was calculated as the total score of 4 major CVD-RFs (range 0-4). After adjustment, parental longevity was inversely associated with the burden of CVD-RFs ( P = .04). Moreover, parental longevity was positively associated with the older adults’ successful aging score (β-coefficient [95% confidence interval]: .38 [0.06-0.71]). Parent’s long living was revealed as an important factor for successful aging and for reduced CVD risk, suggesting that further research is needed in the genetic predisposition of longevity.

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Lessons from Studies in Middle-Aged and Older Adults Living in Mediterranean Islands: The Role of Dietary Habits and Nutrition Services

Cardiology Research and Practice ◽

10.4061/2011/901651 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Stefanos Tyrovolas ◽

Evangelos Polychronopoulos

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Mediterranean Basin ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cvd Risk Factors ◽

Mediterranean Islands ◽

Cvd Risk ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

The Mediterranean Basin

Background. Islands in the Mediterranean basin share particular habits and traditions and greater life expectancy than other European regions. In this paper, particular interest has been given to the effect of the Mediterranean diet, as well as nutritional services on CVD risk, on Mediterranean islands.Methods. Published results from observational studies were retrieved from electronic databases (Pubmed and Scopus) and summarized.Results. Prevalence of CVD risk factors is increased. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was moderate, even among the elderly participants. Furthermore, the presence of a dietician was associated with higher adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern and consequently lowers CVD risk.Conclusion. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is reduced, while the prevalence of CVD risk factors is increasing at alarming rates. Public health nutrition policy has the opportunity to improve the health and quality of life of people living in isolated insular areas of the Mediterranean basin.

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Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition and Successful Ageing in Elderly Individuals: The Multinational MEDIS Study

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000479065 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 64 (1) ◽

pp. 3-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Stefanos Tyrovolas ◽

Josep Maria Haro ◽

Alexandra Foscolou ◽

Dimitra Tyrovola ◽

Anargiros Mariolis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Successful Ageing ◽

Mediterranean Islands ◽

Elderly Individuals ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Stratified Analysis ◽

Of Greece ◽

The Mediterranean Basin

Background: The role of diet and inflammation in successful ageing is not transparent, and as such, is still being investigated. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the inflammatory potential of dietary habits in the successful ageing of a random sample of older adults living in the Mediterranean basin and who participated in the MEDIS (MEDiterranean ISlands) study. Methods: During 2005-2016, 3,128 older adults (aged 65-100 years) from 24 Mediterranean islands and the rural Mani region (Peloponnesus) of Greece were enrolled in the study. A multidimensional successful ageing index consisting of 10 components was employed. A validated and reproducible Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate the dietary habits of the older adults. A nutrition anti-inflammatory (NAI) score based on the participants' specific dietary habits was assessed. Results: Participants with high NAI scores (proinflammatory nutrition) had a higher prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and lower levels of successful ageing. After adjusting for several confounders, the NAI score was associated with successful ageing (-0.03, 95% CI -0.5 to -0.006). Stratified analysis by gender and advanced age revealed heterogeneity in the NAI score, predicting successful ageing. Conclusions: The inflammatory potential of nutrition was reported as an important factor for successful ageing, suggesting that further research is needed on the role of anti- and proinflammatory dietary habits in healthy and successful ageing.

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Midday Napping and Successful Aging in Older People Living in the Mediterranean Region: The Epidemiological Mediterranean Islands Study (MEDIS)

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci10010014 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 14

Author(s):

Alexandra Foscolou ◽

Nathan M. D’Cunha ◽

Nenad Naumovski ◽

Stefanos Tyrovolas ◽

Loukianos Rallidis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older People ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Mediterranean Region ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Mediterranean Islands ◽

Physically Active ◽

Aging Index ◽

Standard Procedures ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

Adjusted Model

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between midday napping, sleeping hours, and successful aging among 2564 older (65+ years) individuals living in the insular Mediterranean region. Anthropometric, clinical, and socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle parameters were derived through standard procedures, while successful aging was evaluated using the validated Successful Aging Index (SAI; range 0–10). Of the 2564 participants, 74% reported midday napping. The SAI score was 2.9/10 for non-midday nappers vs. 3.5/10 for midday nappers (p = 0.001). Midday nappers were more likely to be physically active (p = 0.01) and to have higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p = 0.02) compared to non-midday nappers. In a fully adjusted model, midday nappers had 6.7% higher SAI score compared to the rest (p < 0.001), and the effect of midday napping was more prominent among males and participants 80+ years of age. Further analysis indicated a significant U-shaped trend between sleeping hours/day and SAI score (p < 0.001), with 8–9 h total of sleep/day, midday napping included, proposed as optimal in achieving the best SAI score. Midday napping seems to be a beneficial habit that should be promoted and encouraged in older people.

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Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Successful aging in Greeks living in Greece and abroad: the epidemiological Mediterranean Islands Study (MEDIS)

Nutrition and Health ◽

10.1177/02601060211072363 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 026010602110723

Author(s):

Anastasia Papadimitriou ◽

Alexandra Foscolou ◽

Catherine Itsiopoulos ◽

Antonia Thodis ◽

Antigone Kouris-Blazos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Mediterranean Islands ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Aging Index ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

Vegetables And Fruits ◽

Diet Score

Background: Whether older immigrant populations from the Mediterranean region, continue to follow the MD long after they immigrated is not known. Aim: Compare adherence to the MD and successful aging levels between Greeks living in Greece (GG) and Greeks living abroad (GA). Methods: Anthropometrical, clinical, psychological, sociodemographic, dietary and lifestyle parameters were assessed in a cross-sectional manner in a sample of 252 GG and 252 GA. Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore range 0-55) was used to assess adherence to the MD. Successful aging was evaluated with the validated successful aging index (SAI range 0-10). Results: GA presented higher adherence to MD (p < 0.001); they were consuming significantly more cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruits compared to GG. GG consumed significantly more dairy (3.8 ± 2.9 vs. 1.9 ± 2.2, p < 0.001) and potatoes (2.4 ± 1.6 vs. 1.9 ± 1.5, p < 0.001) compared to GA. Meat ( p = 0.27), poultry ( p = 0.72), fish ( p = 0.68), olive oil ( p = 0.16) and alcohol consumption ( p = 0.05) were comparable between the two groups (all p’s > 0.05). MedDietScore was positively associated with SAI among both groups after adjusting for possible confounders (0.041 ± 0.014, p = 0.003 GG and 0.153 ± 0.035, p < 0.001 GA). Also, legumes, cereals, fruits and vegetables were found to be beneficial for successful aging. Conclusion: Adherence to the MD is associated with higher levels of successful aging among people of the same genetic background living in different environments. However, traditional dietary habits are gradually abandoned in their native countries, when, at the same time, are considered cultural heritage and preserved accordingly among immigrants.

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Extensive introgression and mosaic genomes of Mediterranean endemic lizards

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/s41467-021-22949-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Weizhao Yang ◽

Nathalie Feiner ◽

Catarina Pinho ◽

Geoffrey M. While ◽

Antigoni Kaliontzopoulou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Evolutionary History ◽

Mediterranean Islands ◽

The Past ◽

Island Endemics ◽

Extant Species ◽

Mediterranean Island ◽

History Of ◽

Entire History ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

The Mediterranean Basin

AbstractThe Mediterranean basin is a hotspot of biodiversity, fuelled by climatic oscillation and geological change over the past 20 million years. Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis are among the most abundant, diverse, and conspicuous Mediterranean fauna. Here, we unravel the remarkably entangled evolutionary history of wall lizards by sequencing genomes of 34 major lineages covering 26 species. We demonstrate an early (>11 MYA) separation into two clades centred on the Iberian and Balkan Peninsulas, and two clades of Mediterranean island endemics. Diversification within these clades was pronounced between 6.5–4.0 MYA, a period spanning the Messinian Salinity Crisis, during which the Mediterranean Sea nearly dried up before rapidly refilling. However, genetic exchange between lineages has been a pervasive feature throughout the entire history of wall lizards. This has resulted in a highly reticulated pattern of evolution across the group, characterised by mosaic genomes with major contributions from two or more parental taxa. These hybrid lineages gave rise to several of the extant species that are endemic to Mediterranean islands. The mosaic genomes of island endemics may have promoted their extraordinary adaptability and striking diversity in body size, shape and colouration, which have puzzled biologists for centuries.

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The association between the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and successful aging: An analysis of the ATTICA and MEDIS (MEDiterranean Islands Study) epidemiological studies

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics ◽

10.1016/j.archger.2020.104044 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 89 ◽

pp. 104044 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Alexandra Foscolou ◽

Nathan M. D’Cunha ◽

Nenad Naumovski ◽

Stefanos Tyrovolas ◽

Christina Chrysohoou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Mediterranean Islands ◽

The Mediterranean

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Mediterranean Heathland as a Key Habitat for Fire Adaptations: Evidence from an Experimental Approach

Forests ◽

10.3390/f11070748 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 748

Author(s):

Susana Gómez-González ◽

Maria Paniw ◽

Mario Durán ◽

Sergio Picó ◽

Irene Martín-Rodríguez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Shock ◽

Seed Size ◽

Mediterranean Basin ◽

Fire Ecology ◽

Mediterranean Region ◽

Plant Evolution ◽

Fire Adaptations ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

The Mediterranean Basin

Some fire ecology studies that have focused on garrigue-like vegetation suggest a weak selective pressure of fire in the Mediterranean Basin compared to other Mediterranean-type regions. However, fire-prone Mediterranean heathland from the western end of the Mediterranean Basin has been frequently ignored in the fire ecology literature despite its high proportion of pyrogenic species. Here, we explore the evolutionary ecology of seed traits in the generalist rockrose Cistus salviifolius L. (Cistaceae) aiming to ascertain the role of the Mediterranean heathland for fire adaptations in the Mediterranean Region. We performed a germination experiment to compare the relationship of seed size to (i) heat-stimulated germination, (ii) dormancy strength, and (iii) heat survival in plants from ‘high-fire’ heathland vs. ‘low-fire’ coastal shrubland. Germination after heat-shock treatment was higher in large seeds of both ‘high-fire’ and ‘low-fire’ habitats. However, dormancy was weaker in small seeds from ‘low-fire’ habitats. Finally, seed survival to heat shock was positively related to seed size. Our results support that seed size is an adaptive trait to fire in C. salviifolius, since larger seeds had stronger dormancy, higher heat-stimulated germination and were more resistant to heat shock. This seed size–fire relationship was tighter in ‘high-fire’ Mediterranean heathland than ‘low-fire’ coastal shrubland, indicating the existence of differential fire pressures and evolutionary trends at the landscape scale. These findings highlight the Mediterranean heathland as a relevant habitat for fire-driven evolution, thus contributing to better understand the role of fire in plant evolution within the Mediterranean region.

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Older Adults’ Recalled Memorable Messages about Aging and Their Associations with Successful Aging

Human Communication Research ◽

10.1093/hcr/hqz011 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 45 (4) ◽

pp. 474-507 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Quinten S Bernhold ◽

Howard Giles

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Hope Theory ◽

Memorable Messages ◽

Subjective State ◽

Age Related ◽

Dispositional Hope ◽

The Right ◽

Memorable Message

Abstract Using the Communicative Ecology Model of Successful Aging (CEMSA), this study examined how one’s own age-related communication and memorable message characteristics indirectly predict successful aging, via aging efficacy. Older adults with higher dispositional hope recalled memorable messages as (a) higher in positivity, (b) higher in efficacy, and (c) more likely to contain a theme of aging not being important or being a subjective state that can be overcome with the right mindset. Older adults were classified as engaged, bantering, or disengaged agers, based on their own age-related communication. Uniquely for CEMSA’s development and the blended role of hope theory within it, memorable message efficacy indirectly predicted greater successful aging, via heightened aging efficacy.

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