scholarly journals Does self-report of multimorbidity in later life predict impaired physical functioning, and might this be useful in clinical practice?

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1443-1450
Author(s):  
Michael A. Clynes ◽  
Gregorio Bevilacqua ◽  
Karen A. Jameson ◽  
Cyrus Cooper ◽  
Elaine M. Dennison
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Function Testing

Abstract Background Multimorbidity has been shown in several studies to relate to impaired physical function in later life. Aims To examine if self-report of multimorbidity predicts impaired physical functioning, as assessed by formal physical function testing, in community-dwelling older adults. Methods Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were self-reported by 443 older community-dwelling UK adults via questionnaire, asking the question: ‘Have you been told by a doctor that you have any of the following conditions?’ Assessments of walking speed, chair stands and balance allowed us to create a composite score (0–12) on which impaired physical functioning was defined as ≤ 9. Results The mean age of participants was 75.5 ± 2.5 years for men and 75.8 ± 2.6 for women. The proportion of individuals with impaired physical functioning was 71.2% in women and 56.9% in men. Having four or more NCDs was associated with an increased risk of poor physical function in men and women (p < 0.05). The number of medications and medicated systems was associated with gait speed (p < 0.03 and < 0.02, respectively) and timed up-and-go tests (p < 0.03 and < 0.02, respectively) in women but not men. Discussion and conclusion Self-report of 4 or more NCDs was associated with an increased risk of poor physical function, an outcome which has previously been associated with adverse clinical sequelae. This observation may inform development of a simple screening tool to look for poor physical function in older adults.

scholarly journals Oral health condition and development of frailty over a 12-month period in community‐dwelling older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Bárbara Velázquez-Olmedo ◽  
Socorro Aída Borges-Yáñez ◽  
Patricia Andrade Palos ◽  
Carmen García-Peña ◽  
Luis Miguel Gutiérrez-Robledo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Work Activity ◽  
Dental Biofilm ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Background To determine the association between oral health condition and development of frailty over a 12-month period in community-dwelling older adults. Methods Population-based, case-cohort study derived from the Cohort of Obesity, Sarcopenia, and Frailty of Older Mexican Adults (COSFOMA) study, including data from years 2015 and 2016. Using latent class analysis, we determined the oral health condition of older adults with teeth (t0), i.e., functional teeth, presence of coronal caries, root caries, periodontal disease, dental calculus, dental biofilm, root remains, xerostomia, and need for dental prosthesis. Edentulous was considered as a separate class. Criteria of the Frailty Phenotype (t1) by Fried et al. were used: weight loss, self-report of exhaustion, walking speed, decreased muscle strength, and low physical activity. The presence of three or more criteria indicated a frail condition. The strength of the association (odds ratio, OR) between oral health condition and development of frailty was estimated through bivariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for the other variables of study: sociodemographic data (sex, age, marital status, level of education, paid work activity, and living alone), comorbidities, cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, nutritional status, and use of oral health services. Results 663 non-frail older adults were evaluated, with a mean age of 68.1 years (SD ± 6.1), of whom 55.7% were women. In t0, a three-class model with an acceptable value was obtained (entropy = 0.796). The study participants were classified as: edentulous persons (6.9%); Class 1 = Acceptable oral health (57.9%); Class 2 = Somewhat acceptable oral health (13.9%); and Class 3 = Poor oral health (21.3%). In t1, 18.0% (n = 97) of participants developed frailty. Using Acceptable oral health (Class 1) as a reference, we observed that older adults with edentulism (OR 4.1, OR adjusted 2.3) and Poor oral health (OR 2.4, OR adjusted 2.2) were at an increased risk of developing frailty compared to those with Acceptable oral health. Conclusion Older adults with edentulism and poor oral health had an increased risk of developing frailty over a 12-month period.

An Optimal Self-Report Physical Activity Measure for Older Adults: Does Physical Function Matter?

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Nancy W. Glynn ◽  
Alexa J. Meinhardt ◽  
Kelsea R. LaSorda ◽  
Jessica L. Graves ◽  
Theresa Gmelin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Objective Measure ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sensewear Armband ◽  
Physical Activity Measure ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

The authors compared two self-report measures of physical activity, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS), against the device-derived SenseWear Armband (SWA), to identify a recommended self-report tool to measure physical activity in older adults across physical function levels. A total of 65 community-dwelling older adults completed the PASE, CHAMPS, and seven full days of SWA wear. The authors measured physical function using the modified short physical performance battery (SPPB) and a usual-paced 6-m walk. Age- and sex-adjusted Spearman correlations showed that CHAMPS and SWA were correlated in higher functioning participants (SPPB: ρ = .33, p = .03; gait speed: ρ = .40, p = .006) and also correlated in lower functioning participants for SPPB (ρ = .70, p = .003) only. PASE and SWA were not significantly correlated across physical function. When an objective measure of physical activity is not practical, the CHAMPS questionnaire appears to capture physical activity for older adults across physical function levels.

scholarly journals Balance Impairment as a Risk Factor for Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Who Are High Functioning: A Prospective Study

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. 338-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan W. Muir ◽  
Katherine Berg ◽  
Bert Chesworth ◽  
Neil Klar ◽  
Mark Speechley
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adjusted Relative Risk ◽  
Balance Impairment ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Injurious Fall ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Balance Problems

BackgroundScreening should have simple and easy-to-administer methods that identify impairments associated with future fall risk, but there is a lack of literature supporting validation for their use.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the independent contribution of balance assessment on future fall risk, using 5 methods to quantify balance impairment, for the outcomes “any fall” and “any injurious fall” in community-dwelling older adults who are higher functioning.DesignThis was a prospective cohort study.MethodsA sample of 210 community-dwelling older adults (70% male, 30% female; mean age=79.9 years, SD=4.7) received a comprehensive geriatric assessment at baseline, which included the Berg Balance Scale to measure balance. Information on daily falls was collected for 12 months by each participant's monthly submission of a falls log calendar.ResultsSeventy-eight people (43%) fell, of whom 54 (30%) sustained an injurious fall and 32 (18%) had recurrent falls (≥2 falls). Different balance measurement methods identified different numbers of people as impaired. Adjusted relative risk (RR) estimates for an increased risk of any fall were 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.06, 2.35) for self-report of balance problems, 1.58 (95% CI=1.03, 2.41) for one-leg stance, and 1.46 (95% CI=1.02, 2.09) for limits of stability. An adjusted RR estimate for an increased risk of an injurious fall of 1.95 (95% CI=1.15, 3.31) was found for self-report of balance problems.LimitationsThe study was a secondary analysis of data.ConclusionsNot all methods of evaluating balance impairment are associated with falls. The number of people identified as having balance impairment varies with the measurement tool; therefore, the measurement tools are not interchangeable or equivalent in defining an at-risk population. The thresholds established in this study indicate individuals who should receive further comprehensive fall assessment and treatment to prevent falls.

Mental health correlates of demonstrated smartphone expertise in community dwelling older adults (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Mohlman ◽  
William Tsang ◽  
Sofia Alba Magee ◽  
Lauren Dalokay ◽  
Corey Hannah Basch
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Common Mental Health Problems ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

BACKGROUND There is a pressing need to integrate mobile technology into the treatment of common mental health problems of later life such as anxiety and depression. However, adults over the age of 65 vary greatly in their mastery of smartphones. OBJECTIVE This study characterizes an older community-dwelling sample in terms of their varying levels of demonstrated smartphone expertise relative to anxiety, depression, and self-perceived proficiency in using technological (tech) devices. METHODS A 20-step behavioral smartphone challenge task, the Smartphone Task for Older Adults, was used to evaluate older adults’ knowledge of a range of smartphone functions. RESULTS Findings diverge in potentially meaningful ways from previous studies using self-report measures of tech expertise. Scores on the task were relatively low and partly replicated the digital divide, but also indicate negative relations of demonstrated smartphone expertise with specific variants of anxiety and in-vivo frustration, rather than anxiety or depression more generally. CONCLUSIONS Tech-related anxiety and frustration while attempting new smartphone functions may characterize the current cohort of older adults who have not effectively mastered use of smartphones. Implications for smartphone training tailored to this older subgroup are discussed.

scholarly journals Impact of Malnutrition Status on Muscle Parameter Changes over a 5-Year Follow-Up of Community-Dwelling Older Adults from the SarcoPhAge Cohort

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 407
Author(s):  
Laetitia Lengelé ◽  
Olivier Bruyère ◽  
Charlotte Beaudart ◽  
Jean-Yves Reginster ◽  
Médéa Locquet
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
P Values ◽  
Student’S T ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

This study aimed to assess the impact of malnutrition on the 5-year evolution of physical performance, muscle mass and muscle strength in participants from the SarcoPhAge cohort, consisting of community-dwelling older adults. The malnutrition status was assessed at baseline (T0) according to the “Global Leadership Initiatives on Malnutrition” (GLIM) criteria, and the muscle parameters were evaluated both at T0 and after five years of follow-up (T5). Lean mass, muscle strength and physical performance were assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry, handgrip dynamometry, the short physical performance battery test and the timed up and go test, respectively. Differences in muscle outcomes according to nutritional status were tested using Student’s t-test. The association between malnutrition and the relative 5-year change in the muscle parameters was tested using multiple linear regressions adjusted for several covariates. A total of 411 participants (mean age of 72.3 ± 6.1 years, 56% women) were included. Of them, 96 individuals (23%) were diagnosed with malnutrition at baseline. Their muscle parameters were significantly lower than those of the well-nourished patients both at baseline and after five years of follow-up (all p-values < 0.05), except for muscle strength in women at T5, which was not significantly lower in the presence of malnutrition. However, the 5-year changes in muscle parameters of malnourished individuals were not significantly different than those of well-nourished individuals (all p-values > 0.05).

scholarly journals Using Everyday Technology Independently When Living with Forgetfulness: Experiences of Older Adults in Barcelona

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 233372142199375
Author(s):  
Samuel Briones ◽  
Louise Meijering
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
The Capability Approach

Older adults living with forgetfulness encounter difficulties when engaging with changing and dynamic everyday technology (ET). The capability to use ET is important for independence in later life and is affected by the contextual and individual characteristics of older adults. Using the capability approach as a theoretical lens, this phenomenological study aims to explore the experiences of older adults living with forgetfulness, in order to identify contextual and individual factors that facilitate the use of ET in everyday life. A qualitative methodology was used to interview 16 community-dwelling older adults participating in memory and technology workshops at local community centres in Barcelona. Findings show that motivation and openness to learning played a facilitating role in our participants’ use of ET. The presence of social support in the form of “technology experts” and community centres offering learning opportunities were also enhancing factors that encourage independence when engaging with ET. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the importance of expanding intergenerational ET learning opportunities, through the creation of age-friendly spaces.

scholarly journals Multisensory integration involved in the body perception of community-dwelling older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Hide ◽  
Y. Ito ◽  
N. Kuroda ◽  
M. Kanda ◽  
W. Teramoto
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Multisensory Integration ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
The Body ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Body Perception ◽  
Rubber Hand ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

AbstractThis study investigates how the multisensory integration in body perception changes with increasing age, and whether it is associated with older adults’ risk of falling. For this, the rubber hand illusion (RHI) and rubber foot illusion (RFI) were used. Twenty-eight community-dwelling older adults and 25 university students were recruited. They viewed a rubber hand or foot that was stimulated in synchrony or asynchrony with their own hidden hand or foot. The illusion was assessed by using a questionnaire, and measuring the proprioceptive drift and latency. The Timed Up and Go Test was used to classify the older adults into lower and higher fall-risk groups. No difference was observed in the RHI between the younger and older adults. However, several differences were observed in the RFI. Specifically, the older adults with a lower fall-risk hardly experienced the illusion, whereas those with a higher fall-risk experienced it with a shorter latency and no weaker than the younger adults. These results suggest that in older adults, the mechanism of multisensory integration for constructing body perception can change depending on the stimulated body parts, and that the risk of falling is associated with multisensory integration.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document