scholarly journals Anthropometric indices predict physical function and mobility in older Australians: the Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing

2002 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 655-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Bannerman ◽  
Michelle D Miller ◽  
Lynne A Daniels ◽  
Lynne Cobiac ◽  
Lynne C Giles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Mobility Limitations ◽  
Australian Longitudinal Study ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractObjective:To evaluate, in terms of function and mobility, the predictive value of commonly adopted anthropometric ‘definitions’ used in the nutritional assessment of older adults, in a cohort of older Australians.Design:Prospective cohort study – Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ALSA).Setting:Adelaide, South Australia (1992–1994).Subjects:Data were analysed from 1272 non-institutionalised (685 males, 587 females) older adults ≥70 years old in South Australia. Seven ‘definitions’ commonly used in the anthropometric assessment of both under- and overnutrition (including four using body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference and percentage weight change) were evaluated at baseline, for their ability to predict functional and mobility limitation assessed (by self-report questionnaire) at two years follow-up. All questionnaires were administered and anthropometry performed by trained investigators. The associations between the definitions and decline in mobility and physical function were evaluated over two years using multiple logistic regression.Results:A BMI >85th percentile or >30 kgm−2 or a waist circumference of >102 cm in males and >88 cm in females increased risk of functional and mobility limitations. Over two years, a loss of 10% body weight significantly increased the risk of functional and mobility limitations.Conclusion:Maintaining weight within older adults, irrespective of initial body weight, may be important in preventing functional and mobility limitations. Excessive weight is associated with an increased risk of limitation in function and mobility, both key components of health-related quality of life.

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 Does Poor Sleep Quality Predict Functional Limitations?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 427-427
Author(s):  
Elliot Friedman ◽  
Elizabeth Teas
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
The United States ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Mobility Limitations

Abstract Previous work from our group (Friedman, 2016) linked sleep complaints to declines in mobility and risk of incident limitations over a 9-10 year follow-up among middle-aged and older adults. While these results suggest that poor sleep might undermine functional capacity, the self-report nature of the data leaves the robustness of this association unclear. The current study addressed this uncertainty by examining links between sleep and mobility limitations using subjective and objective assessments of both. Data were from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study: the biomarker sub-sample (N = 664) from the original cohort (collected 2004-2006) and the Refresher cohort (collected 2011-2013). Sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI; subjective) and 7 consecutive days of actigraphy (objective). Functional capacity was assessed by self-report of limitations and measured gait speed, grip strength, and chair stands. In linear regression models adjusting for demographic and health factors, lower PSQI scores (better sleep quality) predicted fewer reported limitations, stronger grip, quicker gait, and faster chair stands (all p&lt;.01). Of the objective sleep metrics, time to fall asleep and time spent awake during the night predicted more self-report limitations, weaker grip (latency only), and slower gait speed and chair stands. These results extend our prior work by showing a) subjective sleep is linked to measured as well as self-reported physical function, and b) objective assessments of sleep predict reduced physical function, albeit to a lesser extent. They also brighten the spotlight on sleep as a key health determinant in older adults.

IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMMUNITY WALKING PROGRAM (WALK ON!) FOR FUNCTIONALLY-LIMITED OLDER ADULTS

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
B.J. Nicklas ◽  
E.A. Chmelo ◽  
J. Sheedy ◽  
J.B. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Mobility Limitations ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Walking Program ◽  
Usual Gait Speed

Background: Walking interventions improve physical function, reduce fall risk, and prevent mobility disability—even in those with compromised walking ability. However, most prior studies have been conducted in controlled research settings, with no dissemination of an evidence-based walking program for older adults who have mobility limitations and/or are socially isolated. Objectives: This study reports data on the feasibility and acceptability of a community-based walking program (Walk On!) for older adults who are functionally limited, and assesses changes in physical function among attendees. The program sessions focused on long-distance walking, and took place for one-hour, for two days/week, and for 12 weeks at a time. Design: Pilot implementation study. Setting: Local church in Winston-Salem, NC. Participants: 49 program participants; Measurements: Physical function battery and satisfaction survey data, as well as formative evaluation data from six attendees of a focus group, are reported. Results: The majority of the participants were >75 years (71%), female (65%), and presented with low levels of physical function (usual gait speed=0.79±0.16; 30.6% used an assistive device). Satisfaction with the program was high (100% would recommend it to others) and focus group results were overwhelmingly positive. Mean attendance to scheduled sessions was 77%±21%, and 63% of participants attended at least 75% of scheduled sessions (n=8 attended 100%). On average, participants improved their 6-min walk distance by 8.9%, their SPPB score by 15.4%, their timed-up-go time by 9.0%, and their usual gait speed by 11.4%. Conclusion: The results of the initial evaluation of Walk On! show high feasibility and acceptability of the program, as well as efficacy for improving physical function. Further research is needed to evaluate a delivery method for wider implementation of the program and to definitively test its effectiveness for improving function and other health benefits.

scholarly journals A-20 Metabolic Syndrome and Executive Functioning in Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 879-879
Author(s):  
T Slonim ◽  
L Haase-Alasantro ◽  
C Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Color Word ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Metabolic Status ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Objective Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased rates of mortality and increased risk for developing dementia. Changes in brain structure and executive functioning have been reported within the literature. However, research examining cognitive performance in individuals with metabolic syndrome focuses primarily on older cohorts. As such, the effect of metabolic syndrome on cognitive functioning earlier in the lifespan is unclear. This research examined neuropsychological test performance and self-report measures in young, middle-aged, and older adults with and without MetS. Method Participants (n = 128) were categorized by age and metabolic status as follows: Young: n = 42, 52.4% Metabolic; Middle-Age: n = 41, 56.1% Metabolic; Older: n = 45, 51.1% Metabolic. Participants were administered the following cognitive assessments as part of a larger study: Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) Color-Word Interference Test and Trail Making. Multivariate analyses of variance were used to examine the relationship between age group, metabolic status, and cognitive performance. Results As expected, older adults performed more poorly than young and middle-aged adults across neurocognitive assessments (p < .05). MetS adults performed more slowly on Color-Word Interference: Inhibition [F(1,114) = 5.26, p = .024, η2 = .05]; however, there were no additional significant differences between groups on cognitive tests in this sample size. Conclusions These findings suggest that aspects of inhibition might be impaired in MetS adults. Future studies aimed at investigating relationships between metabolic risk factors and inhibition may provide insight into effective intervention targets to delay or prevent metabolic syndrome.

scholarly journals “There’s More to Life than Just Walking”: Older Women’s Ways of Staying Healthy and Happy

2006 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 380-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynette Adamson ◽  
Glennys Parker
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Women's Health ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Australian Longitudinal Study ◽  
Wide Range

This study assessed a range of activities reported by older women in Australia. Women between 75 and 81 years of age (N= 3,955) from the older cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health responded to a request in a self-report survey for additional information concerning their health. Of these 3,955 women, 509 reported taking part in a variety of activities. Qualitative analysis of responses identified 55 coded categories of activities that were subsequently classified into four major themes: physical activities, creative pursuits, lifestyle, and social interaction. The data show that these older women are taking part in a wide range of activities.

scholarly journals Risk factors for depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study in middle-aged and older adults

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Rutland-Lawes ◽  
Anna-Stiina Wallinheimo ◽  
Simon L. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Increased Risk

Background The COVID-19 pandemic and resultant social restrictions have had widespread psychological ramifications, including a rise in depression prevalence. However, longitudinal studies on sociodemographic risk factors are lacking. Aims To quantify longitudinal changes in depression symptoms during the pandemic compared with a pre-pandemic baseline, in middle-aged and older adults, and identify the risk factors contributing to this. Method A total of 5331 participants aged ≥50 years were drawn from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Self-reported depression symptoms in June/July 2020 were compared with baseline data from 2–3 years prior. Regression models investigated sociodemographic and lifestyle variables that could explain variance in change in depression. Results Within-participant depression scores increased significantly from pre-pandemic levels: 14% met the criteria for clinical depression at baseline, compared with 26% during the pandemic. Younger age, female gender, higher depression scores at baseline, living alone and having a long-standing illness were significant risk factors. Gender-stratified regression models indicated that older age was protective for women only, whereas urban living increased risk among women only. Being an alcohol consumer was a protective factor among men only. Conclusions Depression in UK adults aged ≥50 years increased significantly during the pandemic. Being female, living alone and having a long-standing illness were prominent risk factors. Younger women living in urban areas were at particularly high risk, suggesting such individuals should be prioritised for support. Findings are also informative for future risk stratification and intervention strategies, particularly if social restrictions are reimposed as the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold.

scholarly journals Introducing CatchU TM : A Novel Multisensory Tool for Assessing Patients’ Risk of Falling †

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeannette R. Mahoney ◽  
Claudene J. George ◽  
Joe Verghese
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Multisensory Integration ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Mobility Limitations ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Research Perspective ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Cognitive Attention

To date, only a few studies have investigated the clinical translational value of multisensory integration. Our previous research has linked the magnitude of visual-somatosensory integration (measured behaviorally using simple reaction time tasks) to important cognitive (attention) and motor (balance, gait, and falls) outcomes in healthy older adults. While multisensory integration effects have been measured across a wide array of populations using various sensory combinations and different neuroscience research approaches, multisensory integration tests have not been systematically implemented in clinical settings. We recently developed a step-by-step protocol for administering and calculating multisensory integration effects to facilitate innovative and novel translational research across diverse clinical populations and age-ranges. In recognizing that patients with severe medical conditions and/or mobility limitations often experience difficulty traveling to research facilities or joining time-demanding research protocols, we deemed it necessary for patients to be able to benefit from multisensory testing. Using an established protocol and methodology, we developed a multisensory falls-screening tool called CatchU TM (an iPhone app) to quantify multisensory integration performance in clinical practice that is currently undergoing validation studies. Our goal is to facilitate the identification of patients who are at increased risk of falls and promote physician-initiated falls counseling during clinical visits (e.g., annual wellness, sick, or follow-up visits). This will thereby raise falls-awareness and foster physician efforts to alleviate disability, promote independence, and increase quality of life for our older adults. This conceptual overview highlights the potential of multisensory integration in predicting clinical outcomes from a research perspective, while also showcasing the practical application of a multisensory screening tool in routine clinical practice.

scholarly journals Positive Improvements on Body Composition and Muscle Strength in Older Adults Consuming the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet Containing Beef (OR18-01-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cydne Perry ◽  
Gary Van Guilder
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Time Effects ◽  
Dash Diet ◽  
Lean Beef

Abstract Objectives To determine the effect of beef consumption as a part of the DASH diet on measures of anthropometric and muscle health in adults 65 and older. Methods Twenty-eight older adults were randomly assigned to consume either 3 oz. (n = 14) or 6 oz. (n = 14) of fresh, lean beef as a part of the DASH diet for 12-wks. Anthropometrics and muscle strength were measured at wks 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 throughout the study. The seven-day cyclical DASH menu contained fresh lean beef. Other red meats, poultry and seafood were excluded. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were provided every day for 12-wks and all food items were purchased, prepared and weighed to the nearest gram by the research staff. The portions of beef were evenly distributed throughout each meal provided every day. Results Changes in body composition and muscle strength were observed during the 12-wk study regardless of beef intake. Significant time effects were detected for: body weight (P < 0.001); BMI (P < 0.001); waist circumference (P < 0.001); hip circumference (P < 0.001); %body fat (P < 0.001); absolute fat mass (P < 0.001); systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001); and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.001) such that a decrease was observed over the 12-wk intervention. Time effects were detected for sit-to-stand (P < 0.001) such that an increase was observed over the 12-wk intervention. Body weight decreased (P = 0.001) by 6.7% from baseline (90 kg) to study-end (84 kg); BMI decreased (P < 0.001) from baseline (31.2) to study-end (29.4); waist circumference decreased (P < 0.001) from baseline (98.1 cm) to study-end (94.4 cm); %body fat decreased (P < 0.001) from baseline (36.1%) to study-end (34.2%); absolute fat mass decreased (P < 0.001) from baseline (33.1 kg) to study-end (29.4 kg); systolic blood pressure decreased (P < 0.001) from baseline (134 mmHg) to study-end (118 mmHg). Handgrip strength and REE were well-maintained (P > 0.05) despite the weight loss. Of the obese participants, 33% were overweight and 29% of the overweight participants were normal weight by study-end. Conclusions The results of this highly-controlled dietary intervention study indicate that daily consumption of high-quality protein as a part of the DASH diet positively influences body composition and muscle strength in older adults. These results also suggest that beef can be included in healthy dietary patterns. Funding Sources South Dakota Beef Industry Council.

Are Adverse Childhood Experiences Associated with Worse Cognitive Function in Older Adults?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Amy B. Halpin ◽  
Rebecca K. MacAulay ◽  
Angelica R. Boeve ◽  
Lisa M. D’Errico ◽  
Sahvannah Michaud
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Executive Attention ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Intellectual Function ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Objectives: Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are associated with an increased risk for dementia, but this relationship and modifying factors are poorly understood. This study is the first to our knowledge to comprehensively examine the effect of ACE on specific cognitive functions and measures associated with greater risk and resiliency to cognitive decline in independent community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Verbal/nonverbal intelligence, verbal memory, visual memory, and executive attention were assessed. Self-report measures examined depression, self-efficacy, and subjective cognitive concerns (SCC). The ACE questionnaire measured childhood experiences of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Results: Over 56% of older adults reported an adverse childhood event. ACE scores were negatively associated with income and years of education and positively associated with depressive symptoms and SCC. ACE scores were a significant predictor of intellectual function and executive attention; however, these relationships were no longer significant after adjusting for education. Follow-up analyses using the PROCESS macro revealed that relationships among higher ACE scores with intellectual function and executive attention were mediated by education. Conclusions: Greater childhood adversity may increase vulnerability for cognitive impairment by impacting early education, socioeconomic status, and mental health. These findings have clinical implications for enhancing levels of cognitive reserve and addressing modifiable risk factors to prevent or attenuate cognitive decline in older adults.

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