Marti Parker et al. was one of four nominees for 2014’s ‘best original article of the year’ in Läkartidningen [the Swedish Medical Journal] with her article about the Swedish Centenarian Survey – A study of Swedish 100 year olds health and functional status.
The Swedish Centenarian Survey (SCS) is a random sample of persons born July 1911 – June 1912. Participants were interviewed directly or by proxy (response rate 86%, n=274). Of the most common chronic conditions, 40% had been diagnosed with at least one condition and 26% with two or more. Commonly reported symptoms included joint pain (64%), dizziness (44%) and sleeping problems (20%). A third of the sample reported that they could bathe themselves, and a majority managed to dress and go to the toilet without help. Over half of the sample lived in some form of institution. Of those who lived at home, the majority needed help with shopping, cleaning or preparing food. Gender differences varied by health indicator although men showed better health in general and were significantly better in activities of daily living. This is the first nationally representative survey of Swedish centenarians and it allows us to follow the health, living conditions and care needs of this rapidly growing age group.
The nomination for this prize was based on readers’ preferences, the referees’ assessments, and the relevance of the subject. The winner, announced on November 24, were Personne, Ekström, and Iveroth with their article about ‘2,4-dinitronfenol – a fatal slimming substance’. The prize-giving ceremony where all finalists will be acknowledged will be held on December 4, 10.00 a.m. at the Annual General Meeting of the Swedish Society of Medicine, Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre.