Current Perspectives on Centenarians - Introduction to Lifespan and Healthspan

This book explores various aspects related to human longevity and aging beyond 100 years old. It examines all domains of health and well-being of this elite group including the current demographics, genetics and epigenetics of exceptional longevity, cardiovascular risk factors, dementia, nutrition, physical activity, African American and Hispanic centenarians, financial planning, religion, spirituality, whole health, wellness, oral health, and nature. The book also delves into the lives of supercentenarians, defined as expert survivors who have lived beyond 110 years old. The implications of the Age-Friendly Healthcare Systems (AFHS) Movement on the care of centenarians are also discussed. This book is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, epidemiologists, public health professionals, policy makers, and anyone interested in the study of aging and longevity.

Dr. Kheirbek is a Professor of Medicine and the Inaugural Division Head of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. She holds board certification in Internal Medicine, Geriatric, and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She is an expert in quality improvement program development and its implementation in older adults. Dr. Kheirbek's research portfolio includes numerous large-scale projects with a particular focus on the fastest-growing segment of the global population - the oldest of the old. Her interest in centenarians, as expert survivors, was developed after years of caring for a 108-year-old patient. She has trained scores of learners on age appropriate, person-centered care, emphasizing the practice of medicine with empathy, reflection, and professionalism. Fueled by keen observation and natural curiosity, Dr. Kheirbek is a writer whose work has been featured in the Baltimore Sun, New York Times, Washington Post, and US World and News Report.

Dr. Llorente is Professor of Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine, and the Deputy Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Patient Care Services in the US Department of Veterans Affairs. She obtained her medical degree from the J. Hillis Miller College of Medicine at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida and completed her psychiatry residency training at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami. She is Board certified in general psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry and addiction medicine.  She has participated in numerous research studies including potential treatments for Alzheimers disease, examining models of mental health services delivery for geriatric patients, and screening for substance use disorders among older adults.  Dr. Llorente aims to expand the knowledge base on the characteristics and factors that contribute to quality of life and centenarians offer a unique opportunity to examine those characteristics and factors.