scholarly journals A bio-psycho-social approach for frailty amongst Singaporean Chinese community-dwelling older adults – evidence from the Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nigel Teo ◽  
Pei Shi Yeo ◽  
Qi Gao ◽  
Ma Shwe Zin Nyunt ◽  
Jie Jing Foo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Few empirical studies support a bio-psycho-social conceptualization of frailty. In addition to physical frailty (PF), we explored mental (MF) and social (SF) frailty and studied the associations between multidimensional frailty and various adverse health outcomes. Methods Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were conducted using data from a population-based cohort (SLAS-1) of 2387 community-dwelling Singaporean Chinese older adults. Outcomes examined were functional and severe disability, nursing home referral and mortality. PF was defined by shrinking, weakness, slowness, exhaustion and physical inactivity, 1–2 = pre-frail, 3–5 = frail; MF was defined by ≥1 of cognitive impairment, low mood and poor self-reported health; SF was defined by ≥2 of living alone, no education, no confidant, infrequent social contact or help, infrequent social activities, financial difficulty and living in low-end public housing. Results The prevalence of any frailty dimension was 63.0%, dominated by PF (26.2%) and multidimensional frailty (24.2%); 7.0% had all three frailty dimensions. With a few exceptions, frailty dimensions share similar associations with many socio-demographic, lifestyle, health and behavioral factors. Each frailty dimension varied in showing independent associations with functional (Odds Ratios [ORs] = 1.3–1.8) and severe disability prevalence at baseline (ORs = 2.2–7.3), incident functional disability (ORs = 1.1–1.5), nursing home referral (ORs = 1.5–3.4) and mortality (Hazard Ratios = 1.3–1.5) after adjusting for age, gender, medical comorbidity and the two other frailty dimensions. The addition of MF and SF to PF incrementally increased risk estimates by more than 2 folds. Conclusions This study highlights the relevance and utility of PF, MF and SF individually and together. Multidimensional frailty can better inform policies and promote the use of targeted multi-domain interventions tailored to older adults’ frailty statuses.

Author(s):  
Darlene Mara dos Santos Tavares ◽  
Nayara Gomes Nunes Oliveira ◽  
Flavia Aparecida Dias Marmo ◽  
Joilson Meneguci

Objective: to analyze functional disability and its associated factors among community-dwelling older adults. Method: a cross-sectional study, conducted with 1,635 older adults distributed in the following age groups: 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and 80 years old or more, living in a health macro-region of the state of Minas Gerais. Descriptive and trajectory analysis was carried out (p<0.05). The parameters were estimated by the Maximum Likelihood method. Results: the highest percentage was female, with a monthly income of 1 minimum wage and living with a companion. In the age groups from 60 to 69 and from 70 to 79 years old, older adults with a partner predominated; and, among those aged 80 years old or more, widowed individuals prevailed. In the three groups, functional disability occurred hierarchically. Lower schooling, frailty and depressive symptomatology were factors directly associated with functional disability in the advanced activities; frailty and sedentary behavior were directly associated with functional disability in the instrumental activities. In the older adults aged between 60 and 69 years old and from 70 to 79 years old, sedentary behavior was associated with greater dependence on the basic activities. Conclusion: the expanded understanding of the factors in the functional disability of the older adults, according to age group, helps the health professional in the development of preventive measures for this disease.


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6068
Author(s):  
Antti Löppönen ◽  
Laura Karavirta ◽  
Erja Portegijs ◽  
Kaisa Koivunen ◽  
Taina Rantanen ◽  
...  

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the day-to-day variability and year-to-year reproducibility of an accelerometer-based algorithm for sit-to-stand (STS) transitions in a free-living environment among community-dwelling older adults. (2) Methods: Free-living thigh-worn accelerometry was recorded for three to seven days in 86 (women n = 55) community-dwelling older adults, on two occasions separated by one year, to evaluate the long-term consistency of free-living behavior. (3) Results: Year-to-year intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for the number of STS transitions were 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.86, p < 0.001), for mean angular velocity—0.81 (95% ci, 0.72–0.87, p < 0.001), and maximal angular velocity—0.73 (95% ci, 0.61–0.82, p < 0.001), respectively. Day-to-day ICCs were 0.63–0.72 for number of STS transitions (95% ci, 0.49–0.81, p < 0.001) and for mean angular velocity—0.75–0.80 (95% ci, 0.64–0.87, p < 0.001). Minimum detectable change (MDC) was 20.1 transitions/day for volume, 9.7°/s for mean intensity, and 31.7°/s for maximal intensity. (4) Conclusions: The volume and intensity of STS transitions monitored by a thigh-worn accelerometer and a sit-to-stand transitions algorithm are reproducible from day to day and year to year. The accelerometer can be used to reliably study STS transitions in free-living environments, which could add value to identifying individuals at increased risk for functional disability.


Author(s):  
Supa Pengpid ◽  
Karl Peltzer

Objective: The investigation aims to study the prevalence and correlates of frailty in a national community-dwelling sample of older Indonesians. Methods: Participants were 2630 older adults, 60 years and older (median age 66.0 years, interquartile range = 9.0) who took part in the cross-sectional Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS-5) in 2014–2015. They were requested to provide information about sociodemographic and various health variables, including frailty. Multivariable Poisson regression analysis was utilized to estimate the correlates of socio-demographic factors, health variables, and frailty. Results: The overall prevalence of frailty was 8.1%; 61.6% were prefrail. In adjusted Poisson regression analysis, older age, being unmarried, separated, divorced or widowed, residing in Java and major island groups, poor cognitive functioning, loneliness, and functional disability were associated with frailty. Conclusion: Several sociodemographic and health risk factors for frailty were identified that can help in guiding intervention strategies in Indonesia.


Author(s):  
Dan Song ◽  
Doris S.F. Yu ◽  
Polly W.C. Li ◽  
Qiuhua Sun

High-level depressive symptoms have been reported in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), resulting in increased risk of progression to dementia. However, studies investigating the correlates of depressive symptoms among this population are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the significant socio-demographic, lifestyle-related and disease-related correlates of depressive symptoms among this cohort. Cross-sectional data were obtained from a sample of 154 Chinese community-dwelling older adults with MCI. MCI subjects were screened by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale. Possible correlates of depressive symptoms in individuals with MCI were explored by multiple linear regressions. The prevalence of depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults with MCI was 31.8%. In multiple regression analysis, poor perceived positive social interaction, small social network, low level of physical activity, poor functional status, subjective memory complaint, and poor health perception were correlated with depressive symptoms. The findings highlight that depressive symptoms are sufficient to warrant evaluation and management in older adults with MCI. Addressing social isolation, assisting this vulnerable group in functional and physical activities, and cultivating a positive perception towards cognitive and physical health are highly prioritized treatment targets among individuals with MCI.


Author(s):  
Jos W. Borkent ◽  
Elke Naumann ◽  
Emmelyne Vasse ◽  
Ellen van der Heijden ◽  
Marian A. E. de van der Schueren

To stimulate undernutrition screening among Dutch community-dwelling adults, a website was developed with general information on healthy eating for healthy aging and self-tests. Based on cross-sectional data obtained from the self-tests, we studied nutritional risk factors (early determinants) as well as risk of undernutrition (late symptoms). SCREEN II (n = 2470) was used to asses nutritional risk factors. This tool consists of 16 items regarding nutritional intake, perception of body weight, appetite, oral health and meal preparation. An adjusted SNAQ65+ (n = 687) was used to assess risk of undernutrition. This four-item tool contains questions on weight loss, appetite, walking stairs and body mass index. Differences between age-groups (65–74, 75–84, ≥85) were tested by logistic regression. Overall prevalence of nutritional risk factors was 84.1%, and increased risk of undernutrition was 56.8%. Participants aged ≥85 scored worst on almost all items of the SCREEN II and the SNAQ65+. In conclusion: A large proportion of older adults reported early determinants for increased nutrition risk, while a smaller, yet remarkable proportion scored positive on undernutrition risk. Internet screening may be a useful, contemporary, and easy, accessible way to reach older adults who are at nutritional risk and may thus contribute to early identification and prevention of undernutrition.


Gerontology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilian König ◽  
Maik Gollasch ◽  
Ilja Demuth ◽  
Elisabeth Steinhagen-Thiessen

Background: In aging populations with an ever-growing burden of risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is on the rise. However, little is known about its exact prevalence among elderly adults, and often albuminuria is not included in the definition of CKD. Moreover, novel equations for the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) have recently emerged, which have not been applied comprehensively to older adults. Data on CKD awareness among the elderly are sparse. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of CKD among older adults by eGFR and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), compare the performance of 6 established and novel eGFR formulas, explore risk factors, and determine the awareness of CKD in a large cohort of community-dwelling elderly from Germany. Methods: A total of 1,628 subjects from the Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II) were included in this analysis (mean age 68.7 years; 51.2% female). Extensive cross-sectional data on sociodemographics, lifestyle, medication, and diagnoses were inquired during structured interviews and a medical examination, and blood and urine parameters were measured. Results: In all, 77.1% of the subjects had hypertension, 12.4% had diabetes, and 18.3% were obese. The prevalence of CKD strongly depended on the eGFR equations used: 25.4% (full age spectrum [FAS] equation), 24.6% (Berlin Initiative Study), 23.1% (Lund-Malmö revised), 19.3% (Cockcroft-Gault), 16.4% (Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration [CKD-EPI]), and 14.7% (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease [MDRD]). Of the subjects with an eGFRFAS <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or an ACR >30 mg/g, only 3.9% were aware of having CKD. Polypharmacy, age, BMI, coronary artery disease, non-HDL cholesterol, and female sex were independently associated with CKD. Conclusions: CKD is prevalent among older adults in Germany, but awareness is low. The FAS equation detects higher rates of CKD than MDRD and CKD-EPI, which are most widely used at present. Also, when CKD is defined based on eGFR and albuminuria, considerably more people are identified than by eGFR alone. Finally, polypharmacy is associated with an increased risk for CKD in the elderly.


Author(s):  
Hyungchul Park ◽  
Jihye Lim ◽  
Ji Yeon Baek ◽  
Eunju Lee ◽  
Hee-Won Jung ◽  
...  

(1) Background: As the clinical relevance of constipation and sarcopenia is not well studied, we aimed to investigate the association between them in older adults. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1278 community-dwelling older adults in South Korea. The Rome IV criteria were used to identify patients with clinically defined constipation, while sarcopenia was defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia consensus. The cohort was classified into three groups: no constipation, self-reported constipation only, and clinically defined constipation. (3) Results: The presence of constipation was associated with sarcopenia and slow gait speed (p < 0.001). After adjustment for possible covariates, the association with sarcopenia attenuated, while that for slow gait speed persisted. In terms of geriatric parameters, both groups with clinically defined and self-reported constipation had a higher burden of cognitive impairment, IADL disability, and lower QOL scores (p < 0.05) compared with those without constipation. (4) Conclusions: Sarcopenia and slow gait speed associated with constipation in community-dwelling older adults. Individuals with self-reported constipation symptoms alone showed comparable sarcopenic and geriatric burden to those with clinically defined constipation. Clinical suspicion for possible co-existing sarcopenia is warranted in older patients with constipation.


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