51
|
Prasitsiriphon O, Pothisiri W. Associations of Grip Strength and Change in Grip Strength With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in a European Older Population. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-CARDIOLOGY 2018; 12:1179546818771894. [PMID: 29881318 PMCID: PMC5987902 DOI: 10.1177/1179546818771894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objective: (1) To examine the associations between 3 measures of grip strength: static
grip strength, change in grip strength, and the combination of grip strength
and its change, with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and (2) to
determine which measure is the most powerful predictor of all-cause and
cardiovascular mortality among the European older population. Method: Data come from the first 4 waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and
Retirement in Europe (SHARE). A Cox proportional hazard model and a
competing risk regression model were used to assess the associations. To
determine the best predictor, Akaike information criterion was applied. Results: Grip strength and the combination of grip strength and its change were
associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Change in grip
strength was correlated with only all-cause mortality. Among the 3 measures,
the static measure of grip strength was the best predictor of cardiovascular
mortality whereas the combined measure is that of all-cause mortality. Discussion: Grip strength is a significant indicator of all-cause and cardiovascular
mortality. The combination of grip strength and its change can be used to
increase the accuracy for prediction of all-cause mortality among older
persons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orawan Prasitsiriphon
- College of Population Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Population program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Wiraporn Pothisiri
- College of Population Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Prevalence of dynapenia and presarcopenia related to aging in adult community-dwelling Mexicans using two different cut-off points. Eur Geriatr Med 2018; 9:219-225. [DOI: 10.1007/s41999-018-0032-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
53
|
Bertoni M, Maggi S, Weber G. Work, retirement, and muscle strength loss in old age. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2018; 27:115-128. [PMID: 28512845 DOI: 10.1002/hec.3517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Reduced muscle strength is an accurate predictor of functional limitations, disability, and mortality. Hence, understanding which socio-economic factors contribute to preserve muscle strength in old age is central to the design of social policies that help reducing these health risks. Using data on handgrip strength collected by the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe for the population of Europeans aged 50+ and the exogenous variation in pension eligibility age across countries over time, we estimate that the retirement transition has a short-term positive causal effect on muscle strength. However, this protective effect is not persistent, as retirement speeds up the age-related trend in muscle strength loss, especially for blue-collar workers and males. The "holy grail" of early retirement may not be such a good deal for retirees' longevity and physical functioning late in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bertoni
- Department of Economics and Management "Marco Fanno", University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefania Maggi
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council, Padua, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Weber
- Department of Economics and Management "Marco Fanno", University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Malhotra R, Ang S, Allen JC, Tan NC, Østbye T, Saito Y, Chan A. Normative Values of Hand Grip Strength for Elderly Singaporeans Aged 60 to 89 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2017; 17:864.e1-7. [PMID: 27569714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2016.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES What are normative values for hand grip strength (HGS) for elderly Singaporeans? Which elderly characteristics influence the normative values of HGS for elderly Singaporeans? DESIGN Nationally representative, cross-sectional observational study. SETTING Singapore. PARTICIPANTS A total of 2664 community-dwelling elderly Singaporeans aged 60 to 89 years. MEASUREMENTS HGS was measured in a standing position with elbows extended twice for each hand; a Smedley spring-type dynamometer was used. Elderly characteristics known to affect HGS, including age, sex, hand dominance, height, weight, occupation, education, and ethnicity, were also assessed. RESULTS We present single-year age, sex-, and hand-specific graphs for normative values (5th, 20th, and 50th percentiles) of HGS. The influence of specific elderly characteristics on the normative values of HGS varies by sex, hand, and considered percentile. We present equations for considered percentiles of HGS that account for such influences. CONCLUSIONS This study uses a large, nationally representative sample to establish normative values for HGS for elderly Singaporeans aged 60 to 89 years. These results will facilitate the interpretation of HGS measurements conducted using Smedley spring-type dynamometers in clinical and research settings in Singapore, and potentially other Asian countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Malhotra
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Health Systems and Services Research, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Shannon Ang
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - John Carson Allen
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Truls Østbye
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Health Systems and Services Research, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yasuhiko Saito
- University Research Center, Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Angelique Chan
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Health Systems and Services Research, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Steffl M, Sima J, Shiells K, Holmerova I. The increase in health care costs associated with muscle weakness in older people without long-term illnesses in the Czech Republic: results from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Clin Interv Aging 2017; 12:2003-2007. [PMID: 29225462 PMCID: PMC5708194 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s150826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle weakness and associated diseases are likely to place a considerable economic burden on government health care expenditure. Therefore, our aim for this study was to estimate the direct and indirect costs associated with muscle weakness in the Czech Republic. We applied a cost-of-illness approach using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Six hundred and eighty-nine participants aged 70 years and over and without any long-term illnesses were included in our study. A generalized linear model with gamma distribution was used, and odds ratio (OR) was calculated in order to explore the effect of muscle weakness on direct and indirect costs. For both genders, muscle weakness had a statistically significant impact on direct costs (OR =2.11), but did not have a statistically significant impact on indirect costs (OR =1.08) or on total cost (OR =1.51). Muscle weakness had the greatest statistically significant impact on direct costs in females (OR =2.75). In conclusion, our study has shown that muscle weakness may lead to increased direct costs, and consequently place a burden on health care expenditure. Therefore, the results of this study could lead to greater interest in the prevention of muscle weakness among older people in the Czech Republic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Steffl
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Sima
- Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kate Shiells
- Centre of Expertise in Longevity and Long-term Care, Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Holmerova
- Centre of Expertise in Longevity and Long-term Care, Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Oksuzyan A, Demakakos P, Shkolnikova M, Thinggaard M, Vaupel JW, Christensen K, Shkolnikov VM. Handgrip strength and its prognostic value for mortality in Moscow, Denmark, and England. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182684. [PMID: 28863174 PMCID: PMC5580990 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study compares handgrip strength and its association with mortality across studies conducted in Moscow, Denmark, and England. Materials The data collected by the Study of Stress, Aging, and Health in Russia, the Study of Middle-Aged Danish Twins and the Longitudinal Study of Aging Danish Twins, and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing was utilized. Results Among the male participants, the age-standardized grip strength was 2 kg and 1 kg lower in Russia than in Denmark and in England, respectively. The age-standardized grip strength among the female participants was 1.9 kg and 1.6 kg lower in Russia than in Denmark and in England, respectively. In Moscow, a one-kilogram increase in grip strength was associated with a 4% (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94, 0.99) reduction in mortality among men and a 10% (HR = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.86, 0.94) among women. Meanwhile, a one-kilogram increase in grip strength was associated with a 6% (HR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.93, 0.95) and an 8% (HR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.90, 0.94) decrease in mortality among Danish men and women, respectively, and with a 2% (HR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.97, 0.99) and a 3% (HR = 0.97, 95%CI: 0.95, 0.98) reduction in mortality among the English men and women, respectively. Conclusion The study suggests that, although absolute grip strength values appear to vary across the Muscovite, Danish, and English samples, the degree to which grip strength is predictive of mortality is comparable across national populations with diverse socioeconomic and health profiles and life expectancy levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Oksuzyan
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Panayotes Demakakos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Shkolnikova
- Scientific Institute of Pediatry at the Pirogov Moscow Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Mikael Thinggaard
- The Danish Twin Registry, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Max Planck Odense Center on the Biodemography of Aging, Institute of Public Health, Odense, Denmark
| | - James W. Vaupel
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
- Max Planck Odense Center on the Biodemography of Aging, Institute of Public Health, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kaare Christensen
- The Danish Twin Registry, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Max Planck Odense Center on the Biodemography of Aging, Institute of Public Health, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Vladimir M. Shkolnikov
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
- National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Ong HL, Abdin E, Chua BY, Zhang Y, Seow E, Vaingankar JA, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Hand-grip strength among older adults in Singapore: a comparison with international norms and associative factors. BMC Geriatr 2017; 17:176. [PMID: 28778190 PMCID: PMC5544979 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-017-0565-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand-grip strength (HGS) serves as a proxy measure for muscle function and physical health. Studies have shown that low HGS is associated with common age-related disorders including frailty and sarcopenia. The aim of the present study was to establish the normative values of HGS among older adults in Singapore and to compare it with data from Western and other Asian countries. The study also aimed to explore the sociodemographic and anthropometric correlates of HGS. METHODS Data were collected from 2043 men and women aged 60 years and above who took part in the Well-being of the Singapore Elderly study in 2013. HGS was obtained using a Jamar Plus + digital hand dynamometer. Normative data were stratified by; 5-year age groups, sex and ethnicity. Relationships between the HGS with various sociodemographic and anthropometric correlates were examined using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS The mean HGS demonstrate a decreasing trend with increased age across all ethnic groups and sexes. HGS among Singapore older adults were relatively low compared to Western and other Asian countries. Males in the youngest age group (60-64) and of Chinese ethnicity attained greater HGS values than their counterparts. When the regression analysis was stratified for sex, significant associations were found between height, upper arm circumference with HGS in the males sample, and between height, weight, waist circumference and HGS in the females sample. CONCLUSIONS Older adults in Singapore have a relatively weak HGS compared to other countries. Greater height and weight, and smaller waist circumference are independently associated with greater HGS in females but not males. These results facilitate the interpretation of HGS conducting using Jamar digital-type dynamometers among the older adults in Singapore.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Lin Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore.
| | - Boon Yiang Chua
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Yunjue Zhang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Esmond Seow
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Kim M, Shinkai S. Prevalence of muscle weakness based on different diagnostic criteria in community-dwelling older adults: A comparison of grip strength dynamometers. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17:2089-2095. [DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miji Kim
- College of Medicine, East-West Medical Research Institute; Kyung Hee University; Seoul Korea
| | - Shoji Shinkai
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health; Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology; Tokyo Japan
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Weinstein G. Childhood conditions and current physical performance among non-institutionalized individuals aged 50+ in Israel. Eur J Ageing 2017; 13:335-347. [PMID: 28190995 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-016-0380-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse socioeconomic conditions in childhood have been previously linked with high risk of various health conditions. However, the association with future physical function has been less studied. Hand grip strength and chair-rising time are objective measures of physical capability indicating current and future health outcomes. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that perceived socio-economic status in childhood is related to current measures of physical function, among Israeli participants of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe project. The study included 2300 participants aged 50 years or older (mean age 68 ± 10; 56 % women). Generalized linear regression models were used to examine the associations of childhood wealth and number of books in residence with grip strength and time to complete five rises from a chair. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationships between the early life conditions and the ability to perform the physical tests. Adjustment was made for current income or household wealth, and for demographic, anthropometric, health, and life-style measures. Being wealthy and having a large number of books at home in childhood was associated with a stronger hand grip and a better chair-rise test performance. These associations were more robust in women compared to men, and persisted after adjustment for potential covariates. In addition, childhood wealth and number of books were associated with lower risk of being unable to perform the tests. Thus, early-life programming may contribute to physical function indicators in mid- and late-life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Galit Weinstein
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Grip strength and functional recovery after hip fracture: An observational study in elderly population. Eur Geriatr Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurger.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
61
|
Chakravarty SR, Chattopadhyay N, D'Ambrosio C. On a Family of Achievement and Shortfall Inequality Indices. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2016; 25:1503-1513. [PMID: 26374279 DOI: 10.1002/hec.3256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper identifies a family of absolute consistent inequality indices using a weakly decomposable postulate suggested by Ebert. Because one member employs an Atkinson type aggregation we refer to it as the Atkinson index of consistent inequality. A second member of this family parallels the Kolm index of inequality. Two innovative features of these indices are that no specific structure is imposed on the form of the index at the outset and no transformation of any existing index is considered to ensure consistency. Each of them regards an achievement distribution as equally unequal as the corresponding shortfall distribution. We apply these indices to study inequality in grip strength among 50+ year-old Europeans. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collapse
|
62
|
Steiber N. Strong or Weak Handgrip? Normative Reference Values for the German Population across the Life Course Stratified by Sex, Age, and Body Height. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163917. [PMID: 27701433 PMCID: PMC5049850 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Handgrip strength is an important biomarker of healthy ageing and a powerful predictor of future morbidity and mortality both in younger and older populations. Therefore, the measurement of handgrip strength is increasingly used as a simple but efficient screening tool for health vulnerability. This study presents normative reference values for handgrip strength in Germany for use in research and clinical practice. It is the first study to provide normative data across the life course that is stratified by sex, age, and body height. The study used a nationally representative sample of test participants ages 17–90. It was based on pooled data from five waves of the German Socio-Economic Panel (2006–2014) and involved a total of 11,790 persons living in Germany (providing 25,285 observations). Handgrip strength was measured with a Smedley dynamometer. Results showed that peak mean values of handgrip strength are reached in men’s and women’s 30s and 40s after which handgrip strength declines in linear fashion with age. Following published recommendations, the study used a cut-off at 2 SD below the sex-specific peak mean value across the life course to define a ‘weak grip’. Less than 10% of women and men aged 65–69 were classified as weak according to this definition, shares increasing to about half of the population aged 80–90. Based on survival analysis that linked handgrip strength to a relevant outcome, however, a ‘critically weak grip’ that warrants further examination was estimated to commence already at 1 SD below the group-specific mean value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Steiber
- Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, VID/ÖAW, WU), International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
- Department of Economic Sociology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Tsendsuren S, Li CS, Liu CC. Incidence and Risk Factors for Stroke Among 14 European Countries. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2016; 84:66-87. [PMID: 27655951 DOI: 10.1177/0091415016668349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background This study compared the risk factors for and incidence of stroke among 14 European countries by using the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Methods The analysis was based on data collected during 2006 to 2007 from Wave 2 of SHARE and panel data from respondents interviewed during 2004 to 2005. Results and Conclusion The highest stroke incidence rates were found in Denmark, Poland, and Sweden; these incidence rates were more than double that of Spain. Stroke was mostly associated with elderly people (age, ≥65 years) in Sweden, France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Greece. In addition, stroke incidence was high among young males (age, <65 years) in Italy and elderly males in Germany and Switzerland. A negative association was found between stroke and vigorous exercise for younger people in Sweden and elderly people in Poland, whereas moderate exercise was significantly associated with stroke only for elderly Belgians, Greeks, and Irish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chu-Shiu Li
- 2 Department of Risk Management and Insurance, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,3 Department of International Business, College of Management, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chwen-Chi Liu
- 4 Department of Risk Management and Insurance, Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Vieira AI, Nogueira D, de Azevedo Reis E, da Lapa Rosado M, Vânia Nunes M, Castro-Caldas A. Hand tactile discrimination, social touch and frailty criteria in elderly people: A cross sectional observational study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2016; 66:73-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
65
|
Schneider U, Kleindienst J. Monetising the provision of informal long-term care by elderly people: estimates for European out-of-home caregivers based on the well-being valuation method. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2016; 24:e81-91. [PMID: 25939856 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Providing informal care can be both a burden and a source of satisfaction. To understand the welfare effect on caregivers, we need an estimate of the 'shadow value' of informal care, an imputed value for the non-market activity. We use data from the 2006-2007 Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe which offers the needed details on 29,471 individuals in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Of these, 9768 are unpaid non-co-resident caregivers. To estimate net costs, we follow the subjective well-being valuation method, modelling respondents' life satisfaction as a product of informal care provision, income and personal characteristics, then expressing the relation between satisfaction and care as a monetary amount. We estimate a positive net effect of providing mode rate amounts of informal care, equivalent to €93 for an hour of care/week provided by a caregiver at the median income. The net effect appears to turn negative for greater high care burdens (over 30 hours/week). Interestingly, the effects of differences in care situation are at least an order of magnitude larger. We find that carers providing personal care are significantly more satisfied than those primarily giving help with housework, a difference equivalent to €811 a year at the median income. The article makes two unique contributions to knowledge. The first is its quantifying a net benefit to moderately time-intensive out-of-home caregivers. The second is its clear demonstration of the importance of heterogeneity of care burden on different subgroups. Care-giving context and specific activities matter greatly, pointing to the need for further work on targeting interventions at those caregivers most in need of them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Schneider
- Research Institute for Economics of Aging, Vienna University of Economics and Business, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Kleindienst
- Research Institute for Economics of Aging, Vienna University of Economics and Business, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Kröger H, Fritzell J, Hoffmann R. The Association of Levels of and Decline in Grip Strength in Old Age with Trajectories of Life Course Occupational Position. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155954. [PMID: 27232696 PMCID: PMC4883757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The study of the influence of life course occupational position (OP) on health in old age demands analysis of time patterns in both OP and health. We study associations between life course time patterns of OP and decline in grip strength in old age. Methods We analyze 5 waves from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe (n = 5108, ages 65–90). We use a pattern-mixture latent growth model to predict the level and decline in grip strength in old age by trajectory of life course OP. We extend and generalize the structured regression approach to establish the explanatory power of different life course models for both the level and decline of grip strength. Results Grip strength declined linearly by 0.70 kg (95% CI -0.74;-0.66) for men and 0.42 kg (95% CI -0.45;-0.39) for women per year. The level of men’s grip strength can best be explained by a critical period during midlife, with those exposed to low OP during this period having 1.67 kg (95% CI -2.33;-1.00) less grip strength. These differences remain constant over age. For women, no association between OP and levels of or decline in grip strength was found. Conclusions Men’s OP in midlife seems to be a critical period for the level of grip strength in old age. Inequalities remain constant over age. The integration of the structured regression approach and latent growth modelling offers new possibilities for life course epidemiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Kröger
- European University Institute, Florence, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Johan Fritzell
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
67
|
Ekşioğlu M. Normative static grip strength of population of Turkey, effects of various factors and a comparison with international norms. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2016; 52:8-17. [PMID: 26360189 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Normative data are of importance in ergonomics and clinical settings. Applying normative data internationally is questionable. To this end, this study aimed to establish gender- and age-specific reference values for static (isometric) hand grip strength of normal population of Turkey with special regard to occupational demand, and compare them with the international norms. The secondary aims were to investigate the effects of gender, age-group, weight-group, job-group, hand and several anthropometric variables on static grip strength. A sample of 211 (128 male and 83 female) volunteers aged between 18 and 69 with various occupations participated in the study. Grip strength data were collected using a Jamar dynamometer with standard testing position, protocol and instructions. The mean and std deviation of maximum voluntary static grip strength values (in N) for dominant and non-dominant hands respectively were 455.2 ± 73.6 and 441.5 ± 72.6 for males, and 258 ± 46.1 and 246.2 ± 49.1 for females. The mean female strength was about 57% of the mean male strength value for both dominant and non-dominant hands. There was a curvilinear relationship of grip strength to age, significant differences between genders, hands, and some age-groups, and a correlation to height, body-mass, BMI and hand dimensions depending on the gender. The comparisons with the norms of other world populations indicate that there are cross-national grip strength variations among some nations but not all.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmut Ekşioğlu
- Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of Industrial Engineering, Boğaziçi University, İstanbul, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Oksuzyan A, Shkolnikova M, Vaupel JW, Christensen K, Shkolnikov VM. Sex Differences in Biological Markers of Health in the Study of Stress, Aging and Health in Russia. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131691. [PMID: 26121035 PMCID: PMC4484801 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The apparent contradiction that women live longer but have worse health than men, the so called male-female health-survival paradox, is very pronounced in Russia. The present study investigates whether men in Moscow are healthier than women at the level of biomarkers, and whether the associations between biomarkers and subjective health have sex-specific patterns. MATERIALS Previously collected data in the study of Stress, Aging, and Health in Russia (SAHR, n = 1800) were used to examine sex differences in biomarkers and their associations with physical functioning and self-rated health. RESULTS The present study found mixed directions and magnitudes for sex differences in biomarkers. Women were significantly disadvantaged with regard to obesity and waist circumference, whereas men had a tendency toward higher prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities. No sex differences were indicated in the prevalence of immunological biomarkers, and mixed patterns were found for lipid profiles. Many biomarkers were associated with physical functioning and general health. Obesity and waist circumference were related to lower physical functioning among females only, while major Q-wave abnormalities with high probabilities of myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter were associated with physical functioning and self-rated health among males only. CONCLUSION No clear patterns of sex differences in prevalence of high-risk levels of biomarkers suggest that the male-female health-survival paradox is weaker at the level of health biomarkers. We found some evidence that certain biomarkers reflecting pathophysiological changes in the organism that do not possess acute health risks, but over many years may lead to physical disability, are associated with physical functioning and self-rated health in women, whereas others reflecting more serious life-threatening pathophysiological changes are associated with physical functioning and self-rated health in men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Oksuzyan
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Maria Shkolnikova
- Scientific and Clinical Institute of Pediatry at the Pirogov Moscow Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - James W. Vaupel
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
- Max-Planck Odense Center on the Biodemography of Aging, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kaare Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Max-Planck Odense Center on the Biodemography of Aging, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Vladimir M. Shkolnikov
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
- New Economic School, Moscow, Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
69
|
Abstract
‘Ageing well’ has been declared a global health priority by the World Health Organisation and the role of sarcopenia and frailty in late-life health is receiving increasing attention. Frailty is the decline in an individual's homeostatic function, strength and physiologic reserves leading to increased vulnerability, while sarcopenia describes the loss of muscle mass and function with age. The conceptual definitions of these conditions have been widely agreed but there is a lack of consensus on how to measure them. We review the different operational definitions described in the literature and the evidence that, whatever definition used, the prevalence and clinical impact of these conditions is high. We also consider the commonality of low physical function to both conditions, a feature which could provide a pragmatic way forward in terms of identifying those at risk. Objective measures of physical function such as usual walking speed are simple and feasible measures, extensively validated against health outcomes. Additionally, clinical applications of sarcopenia and frailty are reviewed with particular consideration to their potential role in the management of older people undergoing surgery. Frailty appears to outperform traditional anaesthetic and surgical risk scores in terms of its association with post-operative complications, length of hospital stay, institutionalisation and mortality. However, even within this sub-specialty area there is wide variation in the approaches used to measure frailty and there is an urgent need for studies to utilise established, validated and reproducible methods to identify sarcopenia and frailty in their study participants, in order to expedite scientific development.
Collapse
|
70
|
Koopman JJE, van Bodegom D, van Heemst D, Westendorp RGJ. Handgrip strength, ageing and mortality in rural Africa. Age Ageing 2015; 44:465-70. [PMID: 25331975 PMCID: PMC4411221 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afu165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: muscle strength measured as handgrip strength declines with increasing age and predicts mortality. While handgrip strength is determined by lifestyle through nutrition and physical activity, it has almost exclusively been studied in western populations with a sedentary lifestyle. This study aims to investigate the relation between handgrip strength, ageing and mortality in a population characterised by a predominance of malnutrition and manual labour. Design: a population-based longitudinal study. Setting: a traditional African rural population in Ghana. Subjects: nine hundred and twenty-three community-dwelling individuals aged 50 and older. Methods: demographic characteristics were registered. At baseline, height, body mass index (BMI) and handgrip strength were measured and compared with those in a western reference population. Survival of the participants was documented during a period of up to 2 years. Results: handgrip strength was dependent on age, sex, height and BMI. Compared with the western reference population, handgrip strength was lower due to a lower height and BMI but declined over age similarly. Risk of mortality was lower in participants having higher handgrip strength, with a hazard ratio of 0.94 per kg increase (P = 0.002). After adjustment for age, sex, tribe, socio-economic status, drinking water source, height and BMI, only handgrip strength remained predictive of mortality. Conclusion: in a traditional rural African population characterised by malnutrition and manual labour, handgrip strength declines over age and independently predicts mortality similar to western populations. Handgrip strength can be used as a universal marker of ageing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J E Koopman
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Post Box 9600, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing, Leiden 2333 AA, The Netherlands
| | - David van Bodegom
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Post Box 9600, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing, Leiden 2333 AA, The Netherlands
| | - Diana van Heemst
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Post Box 9600, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing, Leiden 2333 AA, The Netherlands Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Ageing (NCHA), Leiden University Medical Center, Post Box 9600, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi G J Westendorp
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Post Box 9600, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing, Leiden 2333 AA, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
The effect of social participation on the subjective and objective health status of the over-fifties: evidence from SHARE. AGEING & SOCIETY 2015. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x15000148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTIncreasing social participation among older individuals to increase health and wellbeing has become a distinct policy goal of many national governments and the European Commission. However, to date the evidence on how social participation affects health, both subjective and objective, remains limited, especially since most studies do not account for the reciprocal relationship. The aim of this study is to analyse how changes in social participation affect both the subjective and objective health of older Europeans as well as how changes in health status affect social participation. Using longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), the results suggest that both the uptake as well as the continuation of social activities increase the chances of improvements in subjective as well as objective health. Furthermore, improvements in self-rated health as well as grip strength significantly increase the chances of taking up new activities as well as continuing with existing ones. Country effect is not as strong as expected and the benefits could be homogeneous across different cultures once we control for socio-economic status. Overall, the results stress the need for taking into account the reciprocal relationship between social participation and health. The paper highlights the importance of focusing on both uptake and continuation of social participation when devising policy aimed at improving healthy ageing.
Collapse
|
72
|
Litwin H, Deeg DJH, Wahl HW. The European Journal of Ageing continues to expand in scope and impact. Eur J Ageing 2015; 12:1-2. [PMID: 28804340 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-015-0335-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- H Litwin
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work & Social Welfare, Israel Gerontological Data Center, The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, 91905 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - D J H Deeg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics/LASA, VU University Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H-W Wahl
- Department of Psychological Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Institute of Psychology, Bergheimer Strasse 20, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
Keevil VL, Luben R, Dalzell N, Hayat S, Sayer AA, Wareham NJ, Khaw KT. Cross-sectional associations between different measures of obesity and muscle strength in men and women in a British cohort study. J Nutr Health Aging 2015; 19:3-11. [PMID: 25560810 PMCID: PMC6284799 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-014-0492-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The relationship between obesity and grip strength, a key indicator of sarcopenia, has been inconsistently reported. We aimed to examine associations between grip strength and both body mass index (BMI), a clinical indicator of total adiposity, and waist circumference (WC), an indicator of central adiposity. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Data collected from 8,441 men and women, aged 48-92 years old, who attended the third health examination of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer-Norfolk study was used. MEASUREMENTS Maximum grip strength (Smedley dynamometer), BMI (weight/height2) and WC (measured at the natural waist) were ascertained at a research clinic. The associations between grip strength and adiposity measures were explored using linear regression with adjustment for age, height, social class, physical activity, prevalent disease, smoking status and alcohol intake. RESULTS Men and women were examined separately and those in the upper quartile of BMI were 2.70kg (95%CI 2.07, 3.33) and 1.46kg (95%CI 1.05, 1.86) stronger respectively than those in the bottom quartile (P trends <0.001). Grip strength also increased weakly with increasing WC. However, including both BMI and WC in the same regression model revealed an inverse association between grip strength and WC, whilst the previously observed association with BMI strengthened. For every 10cm increase in WC, grip strength was 3.56kg (95%CI 3.04, 4.08) lower in men and 1.00kg (95%CI 0.74, 1.24) lower in women. CONCLUSIONS Larger overall body mass, indicated by higher BMI, is associated with stronger grip strength but high WC, a clinical indicator of central obesity, is associated with lower grip strength. Abdominal fat is the most metabolically active adipose tissue and this provides a clue to potential mechanisms underlying relationships between fat and skeletal muscle. Additionally, it reinforces the recommendation to measure WC in clinical practice, especially when BMI is below obese ranges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V L Keevil
- Victoria L Keevil, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Wort's Causeway, Cambridge. CB1 8RN, United Kingdom,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
74
|
King-Kallimanis BL, Kenny RA, Savva GM. Factor structure for the frailty syndrome was consistent across Europe. J Clin Epidemiol 2014; 67:1008-15. [PMID: 24948043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Revised: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We explored the measurement properties of frailty with the goal of optimizing frailty assessment according to phenotype definition of Fried and comparing measurement properties across countries. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING Data are from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (n = 27,938), a population-based study of community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years. Frailty was specified as a unidimensional construct, and measurement invariance across the 12 countries was tested. To assess our measurement model, we used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multigroup CFA to assess measurement invariance. RESULTS The unidimensional model fit the data well (adjusted χ(2)(48) = 82.74, P = 0.001), and the same structure was satisfactory for all countries. Inclusion of equality constraints led to significant model deterioration (adjusted χ(2)diff(88) = 995.05, P < 0.001), suggesting differences in parameters across countries. Spain was removed from further analyses, and equality constraints for Greece, Sweden, Israel, Italy, and France were not tenable. Accounting for these led to satisfactory model fit (adjusted χ(2)(113) = 414.33, P < 0.001). Significant mean frailty differences were identified. CONCLUSION The relationships between the construct of frailty and indicators, although broadly constant, do vary across some countries. Furthermore, there was evidence of differing levels of frailty for the middle-aged and older populations across European countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rose Anne Kenny
- Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, Lincoln Gate, Dublin, Ireland
| | - George M Savva
- Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, Lincoln Gate, Dublin, Ireland; School of Nursing Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
Michel JP. Sarcopenia: there is a need for some steps forward. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2014; 15:379-80. [PMID: 24794828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2014.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
76
|
Abstract
Research on healthy ageing lacks an agreed conceptual framework and has not adequately taken into account the growing evidence that social and biological factors from early life onwards affect later health. We conceptualise healthy ageing within a life-course framework, separating healthy biological ageing (in terms of optimal physical and cognitive functioning, delaying the onset of chronic diseases, and extending length of life for as long as possible) from changes in psychological and social wellbeing. We summarise the findings of a review of healthy ageing indicators, focusing on objective measures of physical capability, such as tests of grip strength, walking speed, chair rises and standing balance, which aim to capture physical functioning at the individual level, assessing the capacity to undertake the physical tasks of daily living. There is robust evidence that higher scores on these measures are associated with lower rates of mortality, and more limited evidence of lower risk of morbidity, and of age-related patterns of change. Drawing on a research collaboration of UK cohort studies, we summarise what is known about the influences on physical capability in terms of lifetime socioeconomic position, body size and lifestyle, and underlying physiology and genetics; the evidence to date supports a broad set of factors already identified as risk factors for chronic diseases. We identify a need for larger longitudinal studies to investigate age-related change and ethnic diversity in these objective measures, the dynamic relationships between them, and how they relate to other component measures of healthy ageing. Robust evidence across cohort studies, using standardised measures within a clear conceptual framework, will benefit policy and practice to promote healthy ageing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Kuh
- MRC University Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL, 33 Bedford Place, London, UK
| | - Sathya Karunananthan
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Howard Bergman
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rachel Cooper
- MRC University Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL, 33 Bedford Place, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
77
|
Oksuzyan A, Shkolnikova M, Vaupel JW, Christensen K, Shkolnikov VM. Sex differences in health and mortality in Moscow and Denmark. Eur J Epidemiol 2014; 29:243-52. [PMID: 24668060 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-014-9893-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In high income countries females outlive men, although they generally report worse health, the so-called male-female health-survival paradox. Russia has one of the world's largest sex difference in life expectancy with a male disadvantage of more than 10 years. We compare components of the paradox between Denmark and Moscow by examining sex differences in mortality and several health measures. The Human Mortality Database and the Russian Fertility and Mortality Database were used to examine sex differences in all-cause death rates in Denmark, Russia, and Moscow in 2007-2008. Self-reported health data were obtained from the Study of Middle-Aged Danish Twins (n = 4,314), the Longitudinal Study of Aging Danish Twins (n = 4,731), and the study of Stress, Aging, and Health in Russia (n = 1,800). In both Moscow and Denmark there was a consistent female advantage at ages 55-89 years in survival and a male advantage in self-rated health, physical functioning, and depression symptomatology. Only on cognitive tests males performed similarly to or worse than women. Nevertheless, Muscovite males had more than twice higher mortality at ages 55-69 years compared to Muscovite women, almost double the ratio in Denmark. The present study showed that despite similar directions of sex differences in health and mortality in Moscow and Denmark, the male-female health-survival paradox is very pronounced in Moscow suggesting a stronger sex-specific disconnect between health indicators and mortality among middle-aged and young-old Muscovites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Oksuzyan
- Max Planck Odense Center on the Biodemography of Aging, Winsloews Vej 9B, 5000, Odense, Denmark,
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
78
|
Fuchs J, Busch MA, Gößwald A, Hölling H, Kuhnert R, Scheidt-Nave C. [Physical and cognitive capabilities among persons aged 65-79 years in Germany: results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1)]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2013; 56:723-32. [PMID: 23703491 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-013-1684-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In older age, physical and cognitive capabilities play an important role for independent living. For this reason, the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1) included the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and a chair-rise test, balance tests, a measurement of hand grip strength and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) in order to representatively describe physical and cognitive performance of older people in Germany. Among 1,853 persons 65-79 years of age who came to the study centre more than 90 % participated in the performance tests. The average time needed to complete the TUG and chair-rise tests were 10.7 and 11.8 s, respectively. On average, participants reached 3.9 of a maximum of 5 points in the balance tests (FICSIT4 protocol). Mean maximum grip strength was 32.3 kg. The mean number of correctly assigned symbols in the DSST was 43.8. In all functional capacity areas tested, performance declined with increasing age. There were differences by sex in the chair-rise test, hand grip strength and DSST. The objective measurement of physical and cognitive capabilities in DEGS1 contributes to describe the health status of older people with implications for health promotion and prevention. An English full-text version of this article is available at SpringerLink as supplemental.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Fuchs
- Abteilung für Epidemiologie und Gesundheitsmonitoring, Robert Koch-Institut, General-Pape-Str. 62-66, 12101 Berlin, Deutschland.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
79
|
Keevil VL, Hayat S, Dalzell N, Moore S, Bhaniani A, Luben R, Wareham NJ, Khaw KT. The physical capability of community-based men and women from a British cohort: the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk study. BMC Geriatr 2013; 13:93. [PMID: 24020915 PMCID: PMC3846689 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-13-93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The European Working Group for Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) published a case-finding algorithm for sarcopenia, recommending muscle mass measurement in older adults with low grip strength (women <20 kg; men <30 kg) or slow walking speed (≤0.8 m/s). However, the implications of adopting this algorithm into clinical practice are unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the physical capability of men and women from a British population-based cohort study. Methods In the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer-Norfolk study, 8,623 community-based adults (48-92 years old) underwent assessment of grip strength, walking speed, timed chair stands and standing balance. The proportion of older men and women (≥65 years) fulfilling EWGSOP criteria for muscle mass measurement was estimated. Additionally, cross-sectional associations of physical capability with age and sex were explored using linear and logistic regression. Results Approximately 1 in 4 older participants (28.8%) fulfilled criteria for muscle mass measurement with a greater proportion of women than men falling below threshold criteria (33.6% versus 23.6%). Even after adjustment for anthropometry, women were 12.4 kg (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 12.0, 12.7) weaker, took 12.0% (95% CI 10.0, 14.0) longer to perform five chair stands and were 1.82 (95% CI 1.48, 2.23) times more likely to be unable to hold a tandem stand for 10 seconds than men, although usual walking speed was similar. Physical capability was inversely associated with age and per year, walking speed decreased by 0.01 m/s (95% CI 0.01, 0.01) and grip strength decreased by 0.49 kg (men; 95% CI 0.46, 0.51) and 0.25 kg (women; 95% CI 0.23, 0.27). Despite this, there was still variation within age-groups and not all older people had low physical capability. Conclusions Every effort to optimise functional health in later life should be made since poor function is not inevitable. However, if the EWGSOP sarcopenia case-finding algorithm is endorsed, large proportions of older people could qualify for muscle mass measurement which is not commonly available. Considering population ageing, further discussion is needed over the utility of muscle mass measurement in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Keevil
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Wort's Causeway, Cambridge CB1 8RN, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
80
|
Rodríguez López S, Montero P, Carmenate M, Avendano M. Functional decline over 2 years in older Spanish adults: evidence from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 14:403-12. [PMID: 23844926 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the social, educational, health and behavioral predictors of physical functional decline in older Spanish adults. METHODS A 2-year longitudinal study based on 699 community-dwelling Spanish adults aged over 65 years participating in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe was carried out. Several predictors of a combined measure of functional disability were examined using logistic regressions. RESULTS A decline in function was experienced by 166 individuals. Functional decline in men was associated with an increased number of chronic diseases (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.21-4.19) and depressive symptoms (OR 5.05, 95% CI 2.42-10.54) over a 2-year period, whereas among women it was associated with decreased numeracy score (OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.05-3.34). CONCLUSIONS Longitudinal changes in predictors are strongly associated with longitudinal changes in function between baseline and a 2-year follow up, most clearly among men. A decrease in cognitive functioning and increased depressive symptoms are associated with a decline in physical functioning, and can serve as useful clinical predictors to prevent disability in older Spanish adults.
Collapse
|
81
|
Clouston SAP, Brewster P, Kuh D, Richards M, Cooper R, Hardy R, Rubin MS, Hofer SM. The dynamic relationship between physical function and cognition in longitudinal aging cohorts. Epidemiol Rev 2013; 35:33-50. [PMID: 23349427 PMCID: PMC3578448 DOI: 10.1093/epirev/mxs004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
On average, older people remember less and walk more slowly than do younger persons. Some researchers argue that this is due in part to a common biologic process underlying age-related declines in both physical and cognitive functioning. Only recently have longitudinal data become available for analyzing this claim. We conducted a systematic review of English-language research published between 2000 and 2011 to evaluate the relations between rates of change in physical and cognitive functioning in older cohorts. Physical functioning was assessed using objective measures: walking speed, grip strength, chair rise time, flamingo stand time, and summary measures of physical functioning. Cognition was measured using mental state examinations, fluid cognition, and diagnosis of impairment. Results depended on measurement type: Change in grip strength was more strongly correlated with mental state, while change in walking speed was more strongly correlated with change in fluid cognition. Examining physical and cognitive functioning can help clinicians and researchers to better identify individuals and groups that are aging differently and at different rates. In future research, investigators should consider the importance of identifying different patterns and rates of decline, examine relations between more diverse types of measures, and analyze the order in which age-related declines occur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean A. P. Clouston
- Correspondence to Dr. Sean A. P. Clouston, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada (e-mail: )
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
82
|
Fernandes ADA, Silva CDD, Vieira BC, Marins JCB. Validade preditiva de equações de referência para força de preensão manual em homens brasileiros de meia idade e idosos. FISIOTERAPIA E PESQUISA 2012. [DOI: 10.1590/s1809-29502012000400010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a validade preditiva das equações de referência para predição da força de preensão manual (FPM) em homens brasileiros de meia idade e idosos. Foram avaliados 60 homens com idade de 58,7±8,6 anos (50-84 anos), estatura 168,7±8,0 cm, massa corporal 67,9±13,0 kg e índice de massa corporal 23,7±4,0 kg/m², utilizando equipamento 'padrão-ouro' na avaliação da FPM e seguindo todas as recomendações metodológicas preconizadas pela American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT). Os resultados do diagrama de Bland-Altman para mão dominante (MD) apresentam um erro médio (viés) de -8,4% (IC95% -51,6-34,7). Já o diagrama de Bland-Altman para mão não dominante (MND) apresenta um erro médio (viés) de 1,4% (IC95% -47,1-49,8). O cálculo de Cronbach's alpha para a MD foi de 0,69 e 0,59 para MND. O coeficiente de correlação intraclasse para MD foi 0,52 (IC95% 31-68) e de 0,42 (IC95% 20-60) para a MND. Concluímos que as equações para predição analisadas neste estudo, para uma população de homens brasileiros de meia idade e idosos, apresentou baixa validade preditiva, o que pode gerar erros de interpretação dos resultados.
Collapse
|
83
|
Age-specificity and the evolution of senescence: a discussion. Biogerontology 2012; 14:99-105. [PMID: 23160710 PMCID: PMC3627019 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-012-9410-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Senescence evolved because selection pressure declines with age. However, to explain senescence it does not suffice to demonstrate that selection pressure declines. It is also necessary to postulate biological mechanisms that lead to a deteriorated state of the organism at high ages, but not before. This has lead to the invocation of 'age-specific' genes or processes, a concept which is prone to be interpreted too freely. Events do not happen after a certain amount of time has passed. They need initiation, which means that senescence is required to be a continuous process. As a result, a change at a particular age cannot arise in isolation from changes at other ages, in particular not in isolation from changes at the ages nearby. These mechanistic constraints are not without consequence for the patterns of mortality and fecundity that can evolve. I conclude that from purely logical considerations, senescence is characterized as continuous rather than age-specific deterioration. These considerations guide (theoretical) research in the direction of investigating how continuous somatic change arises, rather than focusing at age-specific events.
Collapse
|
84
|
Diderichsen F, Andersen I, Manuel C, Andersen AMN, Bach E, Baadsgaard M, Brønnum-Hansen H, Hansen FK, Jeune B, Jørgensen T, Søgaard J. Health Inequality - determinants and policies. Scand J Public Health 2012; 40:12-105. [DOI: 10.1177/1403494812457734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Finn Diderichsen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ingelise Andersen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Celie Manuel
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Elsa Bach
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jes Søgaard
- The Danish Institute for Health Services Research
| | | |
Collapse
|
85
|
The Influence of Age, Sex, Bulb Position, Visual Feedback, and the Order of Testing on Maximum Anterior and Posterior Tongue Strength and Endurance in Healthy Belgian Adults. Dysphagia 2012; 28:159-66. [DOI: 10.1007/s00455-012-9425-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
86
|
Dato S, Soerensen M, Montesanto A, Lagani V, Passarino G, Christensen K, Christiansen L. UCP3 polymorphisms, hand grip performance and survival at old age: association analysis in two Danish middle aged and elderly cohorts. Mech Ageing Dev 2012; 133:530-7. [PMID: 22743239 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2012.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
An efficient uncoupling process is generally considered to have a protective effect on the aging muscle by slowing down its age-related decay. Genetic polymorphisms in the Uncoupling Protein 3 (UCP3) gene, whose product is mainly expressed in skeletal muscle, were suggested to be associated with hand grip (HG) performances in elderly populations. Considering the population specificity of the quality of aging, we aimed to add further support to this evidence by analyzing the association between four SNPs in the UCP3 gene and relative haplotypes in two large cohorts of middle aged (N=708) and oldest old Danes (N=908). We found that the variability at rs1685354 and rs11235972 was associated with HG levels both at single and haplotypic level in both cohorts. Furthermore, taking advantage of large cohort and period survival data of the oldest cohort, we tested the association of each SNP with survival at 10years from the baseline visit. Interestingly, we found that allele A at rs11235972, associated in this cohort with lowest HG scores, influences also the survival patterns, with people carrying this allele showing higher mortality rates. On the whole, our work supports the role of UCP3 gene in functional status and survival at old age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Dato
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Calabria, Ponte Pietro Bucci cubo 4C, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
87
|
Swift HJ, Lamont RA, Abrams D. Are they half as strong as they used to be? An experiment testing whether age-related social comparisons impair older people's hand grip strength and persistence. BMJ Open 2012; 2:e001064. [PMID: 22619267 PMCID: PMC3364452 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess how age-related social comparisons, which are likely to arise inadvertently or deliberately during assessments, may affect older people's performance on tests that are used to assess their needs and capability. DESIGN The study randomly assigned participants to a comparison with younger people or a no comparison condition and assessed hand grip strength and persistence. Gender, education, type of residence, arthritis and age were also recorded. SETTING Age UK centres and senior's lunches in the South of England. PARTICIPANTS An opportunity sample of 56 adults, with a mean age of 82.25 years. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Hand grip strength measured using a manual hand dynamometer and persistence of grip measured using a stopwatch. RESULTS Comparison caused significantly worse performance measured by both strength (comparison =6.85 kg, 95% CI 4.19 kg to 9.5 kg, control group =11.07 kg, 95% CI 8.47 kg to 13.68 kg, OR =0.51, p=0.027) and persistence (comparison =8.36 s, 95% CI 5.44 s to 11.29 s; control group =12.57 s, 95% CI 9.7 s to 15.45 s, OR =0.49, p=0.045). These effects remained significant after accounting for differences in arthritis, gender, education and adjusting for population age norms. CONCLUSIONS Due to the potential for age comparisons and negative stereotype activation during assessment of older people, such assessments may underestimate physical capability by up to 50%. Because age comparisons are endemic, this means that assessment tests may sometimes seriously underestimate older people's capacity and prognosis, which has implications for the way healthcare professionals treat them in terms of autonomy and dependency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Swift
- Centre for the Study of Group Processes, School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
88
|
Cooper R, Hardy R, Aihie Sayer A, Ben-Shlomo Y, Birnie K, Cooper C, Craig L, Deary IJ, Demakakos P, Gallacher J, McNeill G, Martin RM, Starr JM, Steptoe A, Kuh D. Age and gender differences in physical capability levels from mid-life onwards: the harmonisation and meta-analysis of data from eight UK cohort studies. PLoS One 2011; 6:e27899. [PMID: 22114723 PMCID: PMC3218057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Using data from eight UK cohorts participating in the Healthy Ageing across the Life Course (HALCyon) research programme, with ages at physical capability assessment ranging from 50 to 90+ years, we harmonised data on objective measures of physical capability (i.e. grip strength, chair rising ability, walking speed, timed get up and go, and standing balance performance) and investigated the cross-sectional age and gender differences in these measures. Levels of physical capability were generally lower in study participants of older ages, and men performed better than women (for example, results from meta-analyses (N = 14,213 (5 studies)), found that men had 12.62 kg (11.34, 13.90) higher grip strength than women after adjustment for age and body size), although for walking speed, this gender difference was attenuated after adjustment for body size. There was also evidence that the gender difference in grip strength diminished with increasing age,whereas the gender difference in walking speed widened (p<0.01 for interactions between age and gender in both cases). This study highlights not only the presence of age and gender differences in objective measures of physical capability but provides a demonstration that harmonisation of data from several large cohort studies is possible. These harmonised data are now being used within HALCyon to understand the lifetime social and biological determinants of physical capability and its changes with age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Cooper
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, Division of Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
89
|
Ayalon L. The prevalence and predictors of passive death wishes in Europe: a 2-year follow-up of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2011; 26:923-9. [PMID: 21845594 DOI: 10.1002/gps.2626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study evaluated regional variations (South, Centre, and North of Europe) in passive death wishes (wish to die) and predictors of passive death wishes, using a cross-national longitudinal design. METHODS The Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) is a cross national European survey of individuals over the age of 50 and their spouse of any age. This study relied on wave 1 and 2 of SHARE. Passive death wishes were evaluated using an item from the Euro-D. A variety of clinical and sociodemographic variables were evaluated as potential predictors. RESULTS The rate of passive death wishes was significantly lower in Northern Europe (4.6%) than in Southern (8.5%) and Central Europe (7.0%). Older adults, females, those reporting more depressive symptoms, more medical conditions, and lower levels of hope in wave 1 were more likely to report passive death wishes in wave 2, unrelated to geographic region. In contrast, passive death wishes reported in wave 1 were a stronger risk for passive death wishes in wave 2 for Northern Europeans than for Southern Europeans. CONCLUSIONS Despite notable geographic differences in the prevalence rate of passive death wishes, most predictors evaluated in the present study function similarly across the three European regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liat Ayalon
- Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
90
|
Oksuzyan A, Crimmins E, Saito Y, O'Rand A, Vaupel JW, Christensen K. Cross-national comparison of sex differences in health and mortality in Denmark, Japan and the US. Eur J Epidemiol 2010; 25:471-80. [PMID: 20495953 PMCID: PMC2903692 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-010-9460-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to compare the direction and magnitude of sex differences in mortality and major health dimensions across Denmark, Japan and the US. The Human Mortality Database was used to examine sex differences in age-specific mortality rates. The Danish twin surveys, the Danish 1905-Cohort Study, the Health and Retirement Study, and the Nihon University Japanese Longitudinal Study of Aging were used to examine sex differences in health. Men had consistently higher mortality rates at all ages in all three countries, but they also had a substantial advantage in handgrip strength compared with the same-aged women. Sex differences in activities of daily living (ADL) became pronounced among individuals aged 85+ in all three countries. Depression levels tended to be higher in women, particularly, in Denmark and the HRS, and only small sex differences were observed in the immediate recall test and Mini-Mental State Exam. The present study revealed consistent sex differentials in survival and physical health, self-rated health and cognition at older ages, whereas the pattern of sex differences in depressive symptoms was country-specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Oksuzyan
- The Danish Aging Research Center, Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 9B, 5000, Odense, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
91
|
Oksuzyan A, Crimmins E, Saito Y, O'Rand A, Vaupel JW, Christensen K. Cross-national comparison of sex differences in health and mortality in Denmark, Japan and the US. Eur J Epidemiol 2010. [PMID: 20495953 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-010-9460-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims to compare the direction and magnitude of sex differences in mortality and major health dimensions across Denmark, Japan and the US. The Human Mortality Database was used to examine sex differences in age-specific mortality rates. The Danish twin surveys, the Danish 1905-Cohort Study, the Health and Retirement Study, and the Nihon University Japanese Longitudinal Study of Aging were used to examine sex differences in health. Men had consistently higher mortality rates at all ages in all three countries, but they also had a substantial advantage in handgrip strength compared with the same-aged women. Sex differences in activities of daily living (ADL) became pronounced among individuals aged 85+ in all three countries. Depression levels tended to be higher in women, particularly, in Denmark and the HRS, and only small sex differences were observed in the immediate recall test and Mini-Mental State Exam. The present study revealed consistent sex differentials in survival and physical health, self-rated health and cognition at older ages, whereas the pattern of sex differences in depressive symptoms was country-specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Oksuzyan
- The Danish Aging Research Center, Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 9B, 5000, Odense, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
92
|
The last year of life in Europe: regional variations in functional status and sources of support. AGEING & SOCIETY 2010. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x10000280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTThis article aims to provide an initial account of the life circumstances of older people in 11 continental European countries during the year prior to their deaths. It focuses on regional variations in functional limitations and sources of support. Using logistic regression we analyse data from 523 end-of-life interviews in 2006–07, collected for the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (Wave 2) about the respondents who had died since the baseline data collection in 2004–05. The prevalence of functional limitations was found to be fairly consistent across Northern, Central and Southern Europe. Significant regional differences existed, however, with regard to the deceased respondents' main sources of support and the locations of their deaths. Northern Europeans were the least likely to receive help from their family only and the most likely to be supported by non-kin. They also exhibited the highest risk of dying in a nursing home. In Mediterranean countries, a pattern of exclusive family support and dying at home prevailed. The findings support the notion of a ‘mixed responsibility’ of families and welfare states as providers of support for older people in the last year of life.
Collapse
|
93
|
Hank K, Jürges H, Schupp J, Wagner GG. [Isometric grip strength and social gerontological research: results and analytic potentials of SHARE and SOEP]. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2008; 42:117-26. [PMID: 18425619 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-008-0537-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2007] [Accepted: 03/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This paper shows that the measurement of hand grip strength provides a non-invasive and reliable objective health indicator for social science research and is easy to collect in general population surveys. Grip strength is not only a useful complement of self-reported indicators of health, but it also exhibits a considerable predictive power with regard to a number of further relevant variables for social gerontological research, such as mortality risks. New data from the 2004 Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) and the 2006 wave of the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP) allow insightful methodological and very first substantive cross-sectional analyses of grip strength in Germany. The focus of the present study is on the analysis of individuals aged 50 or older. The experience of both surveys when measuring grip strength is consistently positive, particularly with regard to the respondents' feedback. Major determinants of isometric grip strength are - beyond the individual's gender - age, body size and weight. A multivariate analysis also provides evidence for a clear positive association between various health indicators and grip strength.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Hank
- (MEA - Universität Mannheim & DIW Berlin), MEA - Universität Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|