Successful aging and lifestyle comparison of Greeks living in Greece and abroad: the epidemiological Mediterranean Islands Study (MEDIS).

Abstract Objectives Comparing lifestyle and successful aging between Greeks living in Greece (GG) and Greeks living abroad (GA) using a multidimensional model of successful aging including both biomedical and non-medical components. Methods Anthropometric, clinical, psychological, socio-demographic, dietary and lifestyle parameters were assessed in a random sample of 252 GG and 252 GA. Successful aging was evaluated using the validated successful aging index (SAI range 0-10). Results GA had better financial and educational status and scored higher in all social activity parameters (p’s  Conclusion Place of residence and personal choices significantly affect the level of healthy aging among people with similar genetic backgrounds.