Key points from article :
Functional ability of elderly is now better when compared to people of the same age 3 decades ago.
"Performance-based measurements....reflect one's functional age," principal investigator, Professor Rantanen.
Physical and cognitive functions are better in the elderly now than in the 1990s.
Life expectancy is accompanied by an increased number of years lived with good functional ability.
Higher physical activity, increased body size and longer education could explain the results.
"In the ageing population, two simultaneous changes are happening: continuation of healthy years to higher ages and an increased number of very old people who need external care." - Prof Rantanen .
Study by University of Jyväskylä published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A.
