Quality of Life Trajectories Predict Mortality in Older Men: The Manitoba Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Objective: To describe quality of life trajectories of older men over a 10-year time frame in mental and physical health domains, and to determine if these trajectories predict death over a subsequent 9-year period. Method: A cohort study of Royal Canadian Air Force aircrew veterans. We used Short Form–36 (SF-36) measures of mental and physical functioning collected prospectively at six time points between 1996 to 2006 (734 men with a mean age of 85.5 [ SD 3.0] years in 2006) to determine trajectories. Continued contact with the cohort from 2006 to 2015 determined subsequent mortality. Results: Men were more likely to maintain high levels of mental functioning than physical functioning. Thirty-seven percent of participants maintained a high level of both mental and physical functioning. Declining function in either mental or physical function was associated with lower survival. Conclusion: Men who maintain physical and mental functioning have a lower mortality rate.