Risk factors for 6-year mortality by gender in a Japanese elderly population

The aim of this study is to examine gender differences in the factors associated with 6-year mortality among 784 elderly residents (mean age = 73 years) in Japan from 1995 (baseline) to 2001. Survival status during 6 years of follow-up was confirmed by either inquiries of older participants or family members or data from official death certificates, or both in 2001. Information on variables associated with mortality was elicited by using a face-to-face interview at baseline (1995). Results of longitudinal analyses showed that self-rated health (SRH) was not an independent predictor of mortality among men or women after adjustment of the other factors. Instead of SRH, having much feeling of usefulness among men and being married among women were significantly associated with increased mortality risk, suggesting that these findings may play an important role in enhancing survival in the elderly.