Abstract
There is wide consensus that healthy longevity is not determined by a single factor but by a variety of influences. Seldom, however, have distal and proximal factors been distinguished in the prediction of healthy longevity. The Georgia Centenarian Study includes distal influences (e.g., family longevity, education, early life events, childhood socioeconomic status and childhood health) to assess the direct effect on well-being in very late life. In addition, proximal influences (e.g., personality, social support and health behaviors) and the mediation and moderation of proximal and distal influences were evaluated. Three hundred and eighty one centenarians from the Georgia Centenarian Study participated in this research and were tested on a wide range of longevity components. The results suggest that distal and proximal factors are important determinants of healthy longevity. We conclude that service providers and family members focus on proximal and distal variables when supporting oldest-old survivors.