The majority of studies on longevity have focused on biological and health-related aspects of longevity. While biology and health undoubtedly play an important role in determining the length and quality of life, there are also a number of important social, psychological, and behavioral factors associated with longevity. Recent research has demonstrated that distal experiences such as education and childhood economic conditions as well as proximal behaviors such as exercise, nutritional behaviors, coping with stress, and social support are all important components in determining longevity and quality of life among very old people.

We invite investigators to contribute original research and review articles that will complement already established knowledge of biological and health factors associated with long life. We are especially interested in articles that focus on behavioral factors of longevity and quality of life in very old age. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Distal family influences on longevity and quality of life
• Distal life events as influences on longevity and quality of life (e.g., early or late marriage, childbirth, etc.)
• The influence of environmental supports on longevity and quality of life, including social supports, economic supports, and housing
• The influence of individual characteristics on longevity and quality of life, such as personality, gender, ethnicity, and religiosity
• Studies emphasizing the importance of adaptational skills such as activity, coping, and cognitive skills
• Research involving health behaviors such as nutritional behaviors or exercise
• Studies involving mental health and life satisfaction in very late life.
• Impact of cognition–dementia on adaptation, mental health, and quality of life
• Models of psychosocial predictors on adaptation and longevity, or compare and contrast psychosocial with biomedical predictors

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jar/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: