Incidence of functional limitation in older adults: the impact of gender, race, and chronic conditions

Social inequity in ageing in place among older adults in Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries: a mixed studies systematic review

BACKGROUND

Most older adults wish to remain in their homes and communities as they age. Despite this widespread preference, disparities in health outcomes and access to healthcare and social support may create inequities in the ability to age in place. Our objectives were to synthesise evidence of social inequity in ageing in place among older adults using an intersectional lens and to evaluate the methods used to define and measure inequities.

METHODS

We conducted a mixed studies systematic review. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and AgeLine for quantitative or qualitative literature that examined social inequities in ageing in place among adults aged 65 and older in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries. Results of included studies were synthesised using qualitative content analysis guided by the PROGRESS-Plus framework.

RESULTS

Of 4874 identified records, 55 studies were included. Rural residents, racial/ethnic minorities, immigrants and those with higher socioeconomic position and greater social resources are more likely to age in place. Women and those with higher educational attainment appear less likely to age in place. The influence of socioeconomic position, education and social resources differs by gender and race/ethnicity, indicating intersectional effects across social dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

Social dimensions influence the ability to age in place in OECD settings, likely due to health inequalities across the lifespan, disparities in access to healthcare and support services, and different preferences regarding ageing in place. Our results can inform the development of policies and programmes to equitably support ageing in place in diverse populations.

Assessment of the Daily Living Activities of Older People (2004-2023): A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis

With a rapidly aging global population, comprehending the risks associated with older people's activities of daily living is increasingly important; yet, interdisciplinary analyses remain rare. By providing a bibliometric overview of the capability risks associated with older people's activities of daily living, in order to identify prevailing trends and future directions in the field, the study aims to fill this gap. Using CiteSpace software to analyze data from 928 articles published between 2004 and 2023, the study results demonstrate the growing interest in the capability risks of older people's activities of daily living, with the United States leading in the number of publications, and geriatrics emerging as the dominant discipline. Notably, Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (Inserm) in France emerges as a pivotal contributor in the field. Key research topics encompass risk factors associated with a decline in daily activities and disease-related studies, with emerging trends in cognitive function and instrumental activity research. Future research should prioritize the development of predictive mechanisms for daily living trends, exploration of caregiving solutions, and promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration. This study highlights promising avenues for further research, emphasizing the importance of predictive modeling, innovative caregiving strategies, and interdisciplinary cooperation in addressing capability risks in the activities of daily living of older people.

Physical activity positively impacts disability outcomes during transition from midlife to early older age irrespective of body mass index

We examined the effects of physical activity (PA) and body mass index (BMI) longitudinal patterns (trajectories) on subjective measures of mobility, function, and disability in adults and assessed whether effects of PA trajectories on function varied due to BMI. Group-based trajectory analyses were used to determine patterns of change in PA and BMI using data from the Health and Retirement Study 1931-1941 birth cohort (n = 10,507). Physical function was assessed by Mobility Limitations (0-5 scale) and Large Muscle Function (0-4 scale) Indexes, as well as with score for activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), with higher scores being worse. Our analyses estimated four distinct PA trajectories: decreasing, (2) fluctuating, (3) stable high, and (4) emergent (previously low/sedentary with increased PA over the study period). Worse mobility limitations, large muscle function, ADLs, and IADLs were associated with Decreasing and Fluctuating PA groups. Better outcomes were associated with Emergent and Stable High PA groups. The five BMI trajectories were stable normal/overweight, modest decreasing, fluctuating, steep decreasing, and increasing. No significant interaction existed between PA and BMI trajectories for Mobility Limitations (P= 0.577), Large Muscle Function (P= 0.511), ADLs (P= 0.600), and IADLs (P= 0.152). These findings may empower clinicians to promote messages to midlifers that meaningful changes in PA can improve function in older age.

Walking net V ˙ O2 rises with advancing age in older women: where to go from here?

PURPOSE

Walking net V ˙ O2 tends to increase with advancing age; however, factors contributing to this relationship have not been widely described. The implications of such findings could inform targeted strategies to promote independent mobility in older adults. Herein, we evaluated the relationship between net V ˙ O2 and age at two submaximal workloads while exploring potential moderators of this relationship.

METHODS

Secondary analyses were performed on 35 older (65 ± 3 years) women who completed a battery of physical assessments including fixed-speed, non-graded and graded (+ 2.5%) treadmill walking with indirect calorimetry to determine net V ˙ O2. Maximal oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O2max), knee extensor maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC), peak rate of torque development (RTD), and plantar flexor range-of-motion (PFROM) were also measured.

RESULTS

Bivariate correlations showed non-graded (r = 0.403, p = 0.017) and graded (r = 0.413, p = 0.014) net V ˙ O2 were positively related to age. Notably, these relationships strengthened after adjusting for V ˙ O2max. Regression modeling showed age, RTD:MVC ratio (composite of muscle performance), and PFROM together explained 49% and 34% of the variance in non-graded and graded net V ˙ O2, respectively. Further analyses suggested knee extensor MVC moderates the relationship between non-graded net V ˙ O2 and age, accounting for 9% of the variance [ΔR2 = 0.090, F (1,31) = 4.13, p = 0.05].

CONCLUSION

These data support the premise that, in older women, walking net V ˙ O2 rises with advancing age, and additionally, the RTD:MVC ratio and PFROM are independent correlates of non-graded net V ˙ O2. Exercise interventions with a high degree of training specificity including explosive, velocity-based elements may promote independent mobility in older women.

Association of cancer with functional decline at old age: a longitudinal study in Danish twins

INTRODUCTION

There is evidence that older adults with cancer have a higher risk of functional decline than cancer-free older adults. However, few studies are longitudinal, and none are twin studies. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between cancer and functional decline in older adult (aged 70+ years) twins.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cancer cases in the Longitudinal Study of Aging Danish Twins were identified through the Danish Cancer Registry. Functional status was assessed using hand grip strength (6 years follow-up), and self-reported questions on mobility (10 years follow-up), and cut-offs were defined to assess functional decline. Cox regression models were performed for all the individual twins. In addition, we extended the analysis to discordant twin pairs (twin pairs with one having cancer and the other being cancer-free), to control to a certain extent for (unmeasured) shared confounders (genetic and environmental factors).

RESULTS

The analysis based on individual twins showed that individual twins with cancer are at increased hazard of worsening hand grip strength (hazard ratio (HR) 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04, 1.80) than cancer-free twins. Among the discordant twin pairs, twins with cancer had a higher hazard of worsening hand grip strength (HR 3.50, 95% CI 1.15, 10.63) than cancer-free cotwins. In contrast, there was no evidence of a difference between the hazard of experiencing mobility decline for twins with cancer compared with cancer-free twins, in both individual twins and discordant twin pairs analyses.

DISCUSSION

Cancer was associated with hand grip strength functional decline in old individual twins and discordant pairs. Our results strengthen the importance of comprehensive geriatric assessment in older adults with cancer, as well as the importance of routine assessment of functional status. Promoting physical activity through exercise training programmes could enable the prevention of functional decline in older adults with cancer.

Validity and Reliability of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ11) in a U.S. Sample of Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

IMPORTANCE

Although occupational balance (OB) is a construct of importance to occupational therapy, existing OB assessments have not been validated in clinical populations.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the validity and reliability of the 11-item version of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ11) in U.S. adults with Type 1 diabetes.

DESIGN

Data were analyzed from adults with Type 1 diabetes enrolled in a larger longitudinal study examining the relationships among blood glucose, emotion, and functioning. Dimensionality of the OBQ11 was assessed with item response theory (IRT); convergent validity was tested by examining whether associations between the OBQ11 and other constructs were consistent with a priori hypotheses.

SETTING

Three outpatient clinical sites in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Data from 208 U.S. adults with Type 1 diabetes were included in the analyses (42% Latino, 29% White, 14% African American, 7% multiethnic, and 8% other).

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Assessments administered include the OBQ11, Patient Health Questionnaire (depression), and Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Overall, results from IRT models and correlational tests supported the reliability and validity of the OBQ11. For instance, higher scores on the OBQ11 were significantly associated with better self-ratings of diabetes management behaviors (r = .28, p < .001), lower depression symptoms (r = -.53, p < .001), and greater positive affect (r = .32, p < .001). A single-factor generalized partial credit model fit the OBQ11 acceptably well, supporting its unidimensionality.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The OBQ11 may be a reliable and valid measure of OB appropriate for use in clinical populations such as adults with diabetes. What This Article Adds: OB is not often formally assessed by occupational therapists in the United States, even though the contributions of OB to health and well-being are core components of the philosophy of occupational therapy. The current evidence supports the validity of the OBQ11 in a clinical population of adults with Type 1 diabetes and demonstrates significant associations between OB and health management behaviors. Study results may encourage greater consideration and assessment of OB in occupational therapy clinical practice in the United States.

Burden of falls attributable to low bone mineral density among people aged 60 years and over in China from 1990 to 2019

Objective

Falls in older people have become a major public health, economic and societal problem. Osteoporosis predisposes older adults to high risk of falls, which were the most common outcome attributable to low bone mineral density (LBMD). In this study, we analyze the long-term trends in falls burden attributable to LBMD among people aged 60 years and over from 1990 to 2019, using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 (GBD 2019).

Methods

Data from GBD 2019 were used to assess the long-term trends in mortality and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rates by Joinpoint regression. The age-period-cohort (APC) model was used to evaluate the effects of age, period and cohort on mortality rate of falls attributable to LBMD.

Results

The mortality and DALYs rates of falls attributable to LBMD among people aged 60 years and over increased from 1990 to 2019, with average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) of 1.74% (95% CI: -1.47 to 2.01%) and 0.99% (95% CI: 0.80-1.19%), respectively. APC analysis revealed that the mortality rate due to LBMD significantly increased among the older people over the age of 75 years. The risk of falls mortality due to LBMD during the period of 1990-2019 initially declined but later elevated. An overall increasing risk for falls death attributable to LBMD was presented across birth cohorts, but in cohorts born after 1930, the upward trend has slowed down. The overall net drift per year attributable to LBMD was above 0. The corresponding results showed that the negative impact of period and cohort effects among males was more pronounced than those among females.

Conclusions

Falls attributable to LBMD remain an ongoing health burden in the older people in China, and the mortality has been on the rise from 1990 to 2019, especially among the older people aged 80+ years group. The prevention and treatment of LBMD should be emphasized, especially among males and oldest-old people. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to strengthen the implementation of system-wide, integrated and effective public health policies and other health interventions in China.

Everyday Discrimination, Neighborhood Perceptions, and Incidence of Activity Limitations Among Middle-Aged and Older African Americans

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to examine the relationship between everyday discrimination, neighborhood perceptions, and the incidence of daily activity limitations (i.e., activities of daily living [ADL] and instrumental activities of daily living [IADL]) among middle-aged and older African Americans. This study also examines whether neighborhood perceptions moderate the association between discrimination and the incidence of daily activity limitations.

METHODS

Data were from the 2006 to 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. African Americans aged 50 or older free of ADL limitations (N = 1,934) and IADL limitations (N = 2,007) at baseline were selected. Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed to test the study aims. Multiple imputations were applied to handle missing data.

RESULTS

One-unit increase in everyday discrimination was associated with a 25% (p < .05) higher risk of ADL limitation onset. Perceived neighborhood social cohesion and physical disadvantage moderated the association between discrimination and IADL limitation onset.

DISCUSSION

Everyday discrimination represents a significant stressor that negatively affects older African Americans' performance of daily activities. Community-level efforts that improve neighborhood perceptions are needed to alleviate the negative effects of discrimination on the incidence of activity limitations.

Living Conditions and the Incidence and Risk of Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Multifactorial Study

Old age represents a social group that is undergoing continuous expansion. The aging population will be prone to chronic diseases and falls, which is a marker of frailty and a public health problem. This study aims to examine the relationship between living conditions and the prevalence of the risk of falls in older adults within the community. As an observational cross-sectional study, intentional sampling was carried out on residents of the metropolitan area over 75 years of age. The socio-demographic data of the subjects and their history of falls were collected. Additionally, the subjects were evaluated on the risk of falling, basic activities of daily living, such as walking and balance, fragility, and their fear of falling. The statistical analyses used were based on the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, statistics of central tendency with description, mean (M) and dispersion, standard deviation (SD), bivariate contingency tables for studying the relationships between the variables, and the analysis of Pearson's relational statistics (χ²). The comparisons of means were resolved by parametric or non-parametric routes. We obtained the following results: 1. The socio-demographic profile of our sample consisted of adults over 75 years of age, the majority of whom were overweight or obese women living in an urban area, specifically in an apartment, and receiving care; 2. Older people in the studied community had mild dependency and frailty, and were also at severe risk of falls; 3. The prevalence of falls was higher in women than in men in this study. Through these results, we confirmed the relationship between living conditions and the prevalence of risk of falls in older adults within the community.

Unhealed Pressure Ulcers Among Nursing Home Residents with Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Nearly a third of US nursing home residents have diabetes mellitus. These residents have an increased risk of pressure ulcer (PU) development and progression; however, little is known about the characteristics of their PUs or the role of other risk factors. This study estimates the prevalence of PUs, describes characteristics of PUs, and quantifies associations between risk factors and PUs in nursing home residents with diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of nursing home residents aged ≥50 years with diabetes mellitus using national 2016 Minimum Data Set 3.0 data. Pressure ulcers were defined as the presence of any stage PU and by subgroups of stage and tissue type. Prevalence estimates of PUs were calculated overall and by covariate subgroups. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of any unhealed PU was 8.1%. Of those with a PU, 19.4% had at least two ulcers and the most common subtypes were identified as unstageable and stage 2 ulcers. These were most often treated by pressure reducing devices. In our fully adjusted model, risk factors that were strongly associated with PUs were related to mobility, nutrition, incontinence, and infections.

CONCLUSION

We observed that the prevalence of PUs remains high in nursing home residents with diabetes and that higher stage ulcers were common in this population. Our adjusted model highlights the importance of suspected risk factors in the development of PUs. Further research is needed to understand the unique needs of nursing home residents with diabetes.

Effects of functional limitations and activities of daily living on the mortality of the older people: A cohort study in China

Introduction

Prevalence of functional limitations (FLs) and disabled activities of daily living (ADL) cause heavy burdens to the health of the older people. Stratified by gender, this study aimed to explore the effects of FL and ADL on the mortality of the older people in China, and the mechanism was then discussed.

Methods

We used survey data of a prospective 10-year cohort (2008-2018), from the China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and Independent variables included FL, basic ADL (BADL), and instrumental ADL (IADL). Covariates involved socio-demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and health status of the participants in the CLHLS project.

Results

There were 967 (19.20%) male and 2,235 (32.36%) female older people performed functional limitations, and their survival time was 60.98 (SE = 0.66) and 55.19 (SE = 0.55) months, respectively. Old adults with FL had significantly poorer survival than the ones without (Log-rank test, P < 0.001). Weibull regression suggested that FL (P < 0.001), abnormal BADL (P < 0.001) and IADL (P < 0.001) were negatively associated with the survival of the older people. Further analysis showed that BADL and IADL performed significantly mediating roles in the relation of FL and survival time in old adults; additionally, for female older people, BADL also exhibited a significant moderating role in the effect of FL on survival.

Conclusions

Prevalence of FL was serious among the older people in China, especially for the women. Disabilities of BADL and IADL and FL were negatively associated with the survival time of the older people in China. Regarding the effect of FL on survival, BADL and IADL performed significantly mediating roles, and the moderating role of BADL existed only for the female. These suggested evidence to implement strategies to maintain health in the older people.

Multivariate analysis of independent determinants of ADL/IADL and quality of life in the elderly

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the determinants of disability and quality of life in elderly people who participated at the multi-centred RubiN project (Regional ununterbrochen betreut im Netz) in Germany.

METHODS

Baseline data of the subjects aged 70 years and older of the RubiN project were used and only subjects with complete data sets were considered for the ensuing analysis (complete case analysis (CCA)). Disability was examined using the concepts of ADL (activities of daily living) and IADL (instrumental activities of daily living). Subjects exhibiting one or more deficiencies in ADL respectively IADL were considered as ADL respectively IADL disabled. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF and the WHOQOL-OLD. Applying multivariate analysis, sociodemographic factors, psychosocial characteristics as well as the functional, nutritional and cognitive status were explored as potential determinants of disability and quality of life in the elderly.

RESULTS

One thousand three hundred seventy-five subjects from the RubiN project exhibited data completeness regarding baseline data. ADL and IADL disability were both associated with the respective other construct of disability, sex, a reduced cognitive and functional status as well as domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. Furthermore, ADL disability was related to social participation, while IADL disability was linked to age, education and social support. Sex, ADL and IADL disability, income, social support and social participation as well as the functional status were predictors of the domain 'Physical Health' (WHOQOL-BREF). The facet 'Social Participation' (WHOQOL-OLD) was affected by both ADL and IADL disability, income, social participation, the nutritional and also the functional status.

CONCLUSIONS

Several potential determinants of disability and quality of life were identified and confirmed in this study. Attention should be drawn to prevention schemes as many of these determinants appear to be at least partly modifiable.

Arthritis, physical function, and disability among older Mexican Americans over 23 years of follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Arthritis is a common chronic condition in the ageing population. Its impact on physical function varies according to sociodemographic and race/ethnic factors. The study objective was to examine the impact of arthritis on physical function and disability among non-disabled older Mexican Americans over time.

DESIGN

A 23-year prospective cohort study of 2230 Mexican Americans aged 65 years and older from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (1993/94-2016). The independent variable was self-reported physician-diagnosed arthritis, and the outcomes included Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), mobility, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and handgrip strength. Covariates were sociodemographic, medical conditions, body mass index, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function. General linear mixed models were performed to estimate the change in SPPB and muscle strength. General Equation Estimation models estimated the odds ratios (OR) of becoming ADL- or IADL- or mobility - disabled as a function of arthritis. All variables were used as time-varying except for sex, education, and nativity.

RESULTS

Overall, participants with arthritis had higher odds ratio (OR) of any ADL [OR = 1.35, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.09-1.68] and mobility (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.18-1.52) disability over time than those without arthritis, after controlling for all covariates. Women, but not men, reporting arthritis had increased risk for ADL and mobility disability. The total SPPB score declined 0.18 points per year among those with arthritis than those without arthritis, after controlling for all covariates (p-value < .010).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates the independent effect of arthritis in increasing ADL and mobility disability and decreased physical function in older Mexican Americans over 23-years of follow-up.

Relative leg press strength relates to activity energy expenditure in older women: Implications for exercise prescription

Limited work has evaluated how leg press strength (LPS), relative to body mass (i.e., rLPS), affects heart rate (HR) responses during activities of daily living. Such information would prove useful by informing a specific level of rLPS needed to promote independent mobility and physical activity. Secondary analyses were performed on baseline measures of 76 untrained older (65 ± 4 y) women. After familiarization, one-repetition maximum leg press was converted to rLPS by dividing the external load lifted (kg) by body mass (BM). Participants were stratified according to percentile of age-group norms of rLPS: ≤50 % (low, ≤0.99 kg/BM, n = 15), 51-89 % (middle, 1.0-1.31 kg/BM, n = 31), and ≥90 % (high, ≥1.32 kg/BM, n = 30). HR was measured at rest and during laboratory-based tasks including fixed-speed (0.89 m·s^-1) non-graded treadmill walking, graded (2.5 %) treadmill walking, and stair stepping. Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O_2max) was measured via indirect calorimetry. Doubly labeled water was used to quantify activity energy expenditure (AEE) over a 14-d period. Relative LPS per group were: 0.85 ± 0.12 (low), 1.16 ± 0.09 (middle), and 1.55 ± 0.25 (high) (p < 0.001). Significant between-group differences in HR emerged during both walking tasks and stair stepping - with the high rLPS group having the lowest HR. AEE between-group comparisons did not yield statistical significance (p = 0.084), however, rLPS correlated with AEE (r = 0.234, p = 0.042) and V̇O_2max (r = 0.430, p < 0.001). Such findings suggest a higher rLPS attenuates HR for weight-bearing activities while also demonstrating a significant, albeit modest, positive link to AEE among older women. This information may be especially relevant for informing thresholds of rLPS linked to mobility and functional independence in older women.

Functional disability among older adults in India; a gender perspective

Introduction

Older adults are always at a greater risk of physical and functional health challenges. These complications result into morbidity, disability and death making them more vulnerable at later ages. Therefore, this paper will examine the functional health status among older adults and its gender perspective, along with associated risk factors.

Materials and methods

Using the first round of Longitudinal ageing survey of India (2017–18). Functional disability was computed based on general and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL and IADL) (n = 20910). Functional disability was coined with individual having at least one of the limitations of these activities. Applying bivariate and multivariate analysis the present paper studied the association, gender perspective and risk factors of functional disability among older adults aged 50 and above in India.

Results

Our results clearly showed the gender bias in functional disability, with greater proportion of women (52%) at risk for functional disability then men (35%). Factors like multimorbidity, depression and life satisfaction are key risk factors identified by this study that increase the likelihood of disability.

Conclusion

Functional disability is key to healthy ageing and needs immediate attention given its greater concentration among the elderly, particularly women. The results reflect the substantial burden of functional disability than self-care among older adults in India and therefore indicates some significant policy interventions to reduce the likely impact of functional disability.

Multimorbidity Patterns in US Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline and Their Relationship with Functional Difficulties

Objectives

This study identified different multimorbidity patterns among adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and examined their association with SCD-related functional difficulties.

Methods

Data were obtained from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Latent class analysis was applied to identify different patterns of chronic conditions. Logistic regression was implemented to examine relationships between multimorbidity patterns and risk of SCD-related functional difficulties.

Results

Five multimorbidity patterns were identified: severely impaired (14.6%), respiratory/depression (18.2%), obesity/diabetes (18.6%), age-associated (22.3%), and minimal chronic conditions group (26.3%). Compared with minimal chronic conditions group, severely impaired group was most likely to report SCD-related functional difficulties, followed by respiratory/depression and obesity/diabetes group.

Discussions

Individuals in the three multimorbidity groups had elevated risk of SCD-related functional difficulties compared with minimal chronic conditions group. Characteristics of the high-risk groups identified in this study may help in development and implementation of interventions to prevent serious consequences of having multiple chronic conditions.

The Influence of Race and Gender on Receiving Assistance with Daily Activities among Older Americans

Background and Objectives

Nearly 8.2 million community-dwelling, older Medicare beneficiaries receive support from long-term services and supports (LTSS) with routine daily activities. Prior work demonstrates disability-related disparities; however, it is unclear whether these patterns persist among LTSS recipients and across specific sets of activities. We examine race and gender differences in receiving help with self-care (e.g., eating), mobility (e.g., getting around the house), and household (e.g., shopping) activities in a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries receiving LTSS.

Research Design and Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of 1,808 White and Black older adults receiving assistance with routine daily activities in the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study. Bivariate statistics were used to describe the sample and provide comparisons of characteristics by race and gender. Logistic regression models examined race and gender differences in receiving assistance with self-care, mobility, and household activities after adjusting for sociodemographic and health characteristics.

Results

Race and gender differences were observed across all sociodemographic and health characteristics, as well as for all forms of assistance. Relative to White men, Black men had lower odds of receiving help with self-care activities. White and black women had higher odds and Black men had lower odds of getting help with mobility activities than White men. Black men and White and Black women all had higher odds of receiving assistance with household tasks compared to White men.

Discussion and Implications

Our findings indicate that, despite prior evidence of disability-related disparities, the receipt of help with self-care, mobility, and household activities varies by race and gender. Findings reveal several target areas for future research. Future work should examine the role of cultural and social preferences for care, as well as the appropriateness of help, as evidenced by health service use and changes in quality of life.

In-Hospital Fall and Fracture Risk With Conditions in the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index: An Analysis of State Inpatient Data

OBJECTIVE

In-hospital falls (IHFs) are a significant burden to the healthcare industry and patients seeking inpatient care. Many falls lead to injuries that could be considered a hospital-acquired condition (HAC). We demonstrated how administrative data can be used to quantify how many IHFs occur and identify what conditions increase the risk for these falls.

METHODS

Iowa State Inpatient Database records from 2008 to 2014 for adults older than 50 years were used to quantify IHFs, falls resulting in an HAC (HAC IHFs), and fractures during in-hospital treatment. The medical conditions used in the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index were evaluated for the risk of the separate fall-related outcomes using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

There were 1770 records that had an IHF for an IHF rate of 0.26 per 1000 patient days. Psychoses (rate ratio = 1.95, 95% confidence interval = 1.63-2.34) and alcohol abuse (rate ratio = 1.77, 95% confidence interval = 1.40-2.24) showed the greatest increase in IHF risk. These conditions also increased the risk of HAC IHFs and in-hospital fractures. Fluid and electrolyte disorders, deficiency anemias, and chronic pulmonary disease increased the risk for IHFs/HAC IHFs but did not increase the risk of in-hospital fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Administrative data can be used to track various fall-related outcomes occurring during inpatient treatment. Several conditions of the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index were identified as increasing the risk of fall-related outcomes and should be considered when evaluating a patient's risk of falling.

Personality and functional impairment. Evidence from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe

BACKGROUND

To date, only a few studies have investigated the association between personality and functional impairment. Therefore, our purpose was to add to this knowledge.

METHODS

Data from wave 7 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) were used (70 028 individuals in the analytical sample). Personality was measured using the 10-item Big Five Inventory (BFI-10). Functional impairment was quantified using activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) indices. Multiple linear regressions were conducted.

RESULTS

Regressions showed that an increased likelihood of limitations in ADL was associated with higher extraversion, higher agreeableness, lower conscientiousness, higher neuroticism, and higher openness to experience. Similarly, an increased likelihood of limitations in IADL was associated with higher agreeableness, lower conscientiousness, higher neuroticism, and higher openness to experience (only with one IADL index).

CONCLUSIONS

This knowledge of associations between personality and functional limitations may help in determining individuals at risk for increased functional impairment (e.g., individuals with low conscientiousness or high neuroticism). Future research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms.

Peripheral vestibular system: Age-related vestibular loss and associated deficits

Given the interdependence of multiple factors in age-related vestibular loss (e.g., balance, vision, cognition), it is important to examine the individual contributions of these factors with ARVL. While the relationship between the vestibular and visual systems has been well studied (Bronstein et al., 2015), little is known about the association of the peripheral vestibular system with neurodegenerative disorders (Cronin et al., 2017). Further, emerging research developments implicate the vestibular system as an opportunity for examining brain function beyond balance, and into other areas, such as cognition and psychological functioning. Additionally, the bidirectional impact of psychological functioning is understudied in ARVL. Recognition of ARVL as part of a multifaceted aging process will help guide the development of integrated interventions for patients who remain at risk for decline. In this review, we will discuss a wide variety of characteristics of the peripheral vestibular system and ARVL, how it relates to neurodegenerative diseases, and correlations between ARVL and balance, vision, cognitive, and psychological dysfunction. We also discuss clinical implications as well as future directions for research, with an emphasis on improving care for patients with ARVL.

Understanding the Health Characteristics and Treatment Choices of Older Men with Stress Urinary Incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To describe the health characteristics and current treatment choices of male stress urinary incontinence (mSUI) patients to inform patient-centered decision-making.

METHODS

We identified a cohort of mSUI patients aged ≥65 at UCSF and San Francisco VA. Using retrospective chart review and telephone interviews, we ascertained demographics, incontinence characteristics, Charlson Comorbidity Index (score ≥ 4 indicates significant morbidity), frailty with Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, functional dependence with activities of daily living (ADL), calculated life expectancy, and assessed mental health and quality of life (QOL). Bivariate analysis evaluated associations between subject characteristics and ultimate treatment type (conservative vs surgery; sling vs sphincter). Logistic multivariable models evaluating treatment choice were also constructed.

RESULTS

The 130 participants had a mean age of 75 and a mean incontinence score of 14.2 representing moderately bothersome incontinence. Nearly 80% had significant morbidity, three-quarters had >50% 10-year mortality risk, 10% needed help with 1 + ADL and 22% had a TUG >10 seconds indicating frailty. The mean physical and mental QOL scores were similar to the general population. Anxiety and depression were reported by 3.9% and 10%. In univariate and multivariable analysis, only incontinence characteristics were associated with conservative vs surgical treatment choice (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Multi-morbidity, functional dependence, frailty, and limited life expectancy are common among older men with mSUI, yet current treatment choices appear to be driven by incontinence characteristics. As such, mSUI surgery should be considered among men across the spectrum of health and life expectancy.

Determinants of acquired disability and recovery from disability in Indian older adults: longitudinal influence of socio-economic and health-related factors

BACKGROUND

There is a higher burden of functional disability for Indian older adults with substantial variations across different geographic regions and socioeconomic groups as compared to other ageing Asian countries. Thus, using a national sample of older adults aged 60+ years, we aim to explore how common is acquiring of disability and recovery from disability among the older population of a developing country like India, and how do the various socioeconomic and health-related conditions impact this transition in disability status.

METHOD

The current study uses two waves of the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) and is based on panel data of 10,527 older adults. Both bivariate and multiple variable regression analysis were performed using two binary outcome variables in this study - whether older adults acquired disability and recovered from disability between round-I and round-II, respectively.

RESULTS

Nearly 31.5% and 4.4 % of older adults have acquired and recovered disability across the two rounds respectively. About 38.5%  and 45.8 % of female older adults' disability status changes to disable and recovered in round-II respectively. A lesser proportion of older adults have recovered from a disability who have a chronic disease in round-I. Cataract chronic conditions among older adults in round-I had shown 1.45 times (CI: 1.07-1.97) a significantly higher likelihood of acquiring disability in round-I. Older adults who were unmarried and were not working in round-I have 1.12 times (CI: 1.01-1.25) and 1.21 times (CI: 1.06-1.39) higher likelihood of acquiring disability in round-II respectively. Recovering from disability was mostly seen among older adults who belong to the richest (OR: 2.38, CI: 1.31-4.33) and medium (OR: 2.16, CI: 1.27-3.69) wealth quintile households. Older adults residing in the central region of India have 2.72 times (CI: 2.31-3.19) significantly higher chance of acquiring disability than those who were residing in northern regions.

CONCLUSION

Appropriate measures are required to highlight the importance of chronic physical diseases and several socio-demographic factors that may negatively affect the trajectory of disability in older ages.

Two-dimensional dynamic walking stability of elderly females with a history of falls

Injuries related with falls are a major health risk for the elderly. Accurate evaluation of the dynamic walking stability of elderly people is the key to fall prevention. A two-dimensional (2-D) model is proposed in this study given that the custom method is mainly focused on the dynamic walking stability along the antero-posterior axis. An inverted pendulum model was utilised to calculate the region of stability at toe-off, and stability conditions were evaluated first along the antero-posterior and medio-lateral axes. The analysis was then extended to the 2-D plane. In the 2-D case, the region of stability was determined based on the use of the information of the envelope of the foot. Twenty-four female participants, categorised as healthy young, healthy elderly, and elderly with a history of falls, were examined. Significant differences among the three groups were demonstrated with the 2-D analysis method, but not in the antero-posterior or medio-lateral analyses. The centre-of-masses of elderly fallers were significantly closer to the foot-supporting boundary compared with that of healthy young and elderly adults at toe-off. A 2-D analysis method using the envelope-of-foot could evaluate the dynamic stability of elderly females based on a more accurate scale.

Burdens and Educational Needs of Informal Caregivers of Older Adults With Urinary Incontinence: An Internet-Based Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to describe the burden and educational needs of informal caregivers of care-dependent older adults with urinary incontinence (UI).

DESIGN

A cross-sectional, descriptive survey of informal caregivers recruited through Google Ads was performed.

METHODS

An online survey, including the Overactive Bladder-Family Impact Measure, was used to assess five areas of the experience of the informal caregiver that may be affected by caring for a person with UI and their educational needs.

FINDINGS

Respondents (n = 77) reported a substantial impact of their care recipients' UI on their lives, with concern, travel, and social subscales most affected. However, 42% never sought treatment on behalf of their care recipient. Educational needs included UI treatment strategies and guidance to select appropriate supplies.

CONCLUSIONS

Caregivers underreported their care recipient's UI and need substantially more support from healthcare providers to manage the condition.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Nurses should assess for UI among care-dependent older adults and, if present, provide information and strategies to lessen the impact on caregiver lives.

Impact of Chronic Medical Condition Development on Longitudinal Physical Function from Mid- to Early Late-Life: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation

BACKGROUND

Chronic medical conditions (CMCs) often emerge and accumulate during the transition from mid- to late-life, and the resulting multimorbidity can greatly impact physical function. We assessed the association of CMC presence and incidence on trajectories of physical function from mid- to early late-life in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.

METHODS

Physical function was assessed at eight clinic visits (average 14 years follow-up) using the physical function subscale of the Short Form-36. CMCs included osteoarthritis, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and depressive symptomatology, and were considered cumulatively. Repeated-measures Poisson models estimated longitudinal change (expressed as percent difference) in physical function by chronic CMCs. Change-points assessed physical function change coincident with the development of a new condition.

RESULTS

Women (N = 2,283) followed from age 50.0 ± 2.7 to 64.0 ± 3.7 years; 7.3% had zero CMCs through follow-up, 22.5% (N = 513) had no baseline CMCs but developed ≥1, 22.7% women had ≥1 baseline CMC but never developed another, and 47.6% had ≥1 baseline CMC and developed ≥1 more. Each additional baseline CMC was associated with 4.0% worse baseline physical function and annual decline of 0.20%/year. Women with more baseline CMCs had greater decline in physical function with a new CMC (-1.90% per condition); and annual decline when developing a new condition accelerated by -0.33%/year per condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported physical function changes are evident from mid- to early late-life with the development of CMCs. Preventing or delaying CMCs may delay declines in physical function, and these potential pathways to disability warrant further research.

Voluntary step execution in patients with knee osteoarthritis: Symptomatic vs. non-symptomatic legs

BACKGROUND

Individuals with osteoarthritis fall at a greater rate than the general population, likely as a result of weakness, pain, movement limitations, and a decline in balance. Due to the high prevalence of osteoarthritis in the population, understanding the mechanisms leading to greater fall risk is an important issue to better understand.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the influence of unilateral knee osteoarthritis on the characteristics of performing a voluntary step (i.e., similar to that performed to avoid a fall after a perturbation), compared to healthy age-matched controls?

METHODS

Case-control study performed in a Health maintenance organization physical therapy clinic. The research group consisted of a referred sample of 21 patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis. The control group consisted of 22 age-matched healthy individuals. All participants were over 65 years of age. Participants were excluded if they had a surgical procedure to back or lower limb within one year before testing, oncological or neurological disease or a deficit in tactile sense. Movements were performed with and without dual tasking.

MEASUREMENTS

Duration of the initiation phase (cue to step initiation), preparatory phase (step initiation to foot off) and swing phase (foot off to foot contact).

RESULTS

In the preparatory phase and swing phase, the osteoarthritis group moved more slowly than the control group, and these differences were larger for forward compared to backward movements. Dual-tasking slowed responses in the pre-movement initiation stage across groups.

SIGNIFICANCE

The differences in basic parameters, and the slower movements in the osteoarthritis group, are consistent with known features of osteoarthritis, being a disease commonly regarded as primarily "mechanical", and are likely to increase fall risk. These response deficits suggest we should take advantage of advanced rehabilitation techniques, including cognitive loading, to help prevent falls in older adults with osteoarthritis.

Fit and Strong! Plus: Twelve and eighteen month follow-up results for a comparative effectiveness trial among overweight/obese older adults with osteoarthritis

This comparative effectiveness trial compared the longer-term effectiveness (12 and 18 months) of the standard Fit & Strong! physical activity program to Fit & Strong! Plus, which combined physical activity and dietary weight loss. Outcomes were weight, diet quality, physical activity, osteoarthritis symptoms, performance measures, and anxiety/depression. In this study, 413 overweight/obese participants with OA, ≥60 years old and primarily African American, were randomly assigned to Fit & Strong! (F&S!) or Fit & Strong! Plus (F&S! Plus), with outcomes assessed at 2, 6, 12, and 18 months. 356 (86%) participants completed the 18-month visit. Compared with participants randomized to standard F&S!, F&S! Plus participants maintained longer-term benefits at 12 months in weight (mean change ± SE: -1.7 ± 0.3 kg for F&S! Plus vs -0.9 ± 0.3 kg for F&S!, p = 0.049), BMI (-0.6 ± 0.1 vs -0.3 ± 0.1 kg/m2, p = 0.04), waist circumference (-2.7 ± 0.6 vs -0.4 ± 0.6 cm, p = 0.004), and lower extremity strength (1.6 ± 0.2 vs 1.0 ± 0.2 chair stands, p = 0.046). At 18 months, F&S! Plus participants showed improved lower extremity strength (1.4 ± 0.2 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2 chair stands, p = 0.045. African American older adults in the F&S! Plus arm showed sustained modest improvements in weight, waist circumference, and lower extremity strength at 12 months and in lower extremity strength at 18 months compared to F&S!. Implications for the translation of evidence-based programs into community settings to support healthy behaviors in older adults are discussed.

Risk of injury after emergency department visit for acute peripheral vertigo: a matched-cohort study

Objective

Peripheral vertigo is one of the most common causes of the emergency department (ED) visits. It can impair balance and might predispose patients to injuries after discharge. The purpose of this study was to determine whether peripheral vertigo is associated with an increased risk of trauma.

Methods

This matched-cohort study used the nationally representative dataset of de-identified claim information of 1 million randomly sampled individuals from a real Korean population, from 2002 to 2013. The exposure cohort included patients who visited EDs for new-onset peripheral vertigo without prior or concurrent injury. Each patient was randomly matched to five unexposed individuals (also without previous injury) by incidence density sampling. The primary outcome was a new injury within 1 year. The secondary outcomes were various injury subtypes. The time-dependent effect of the exposure was modeled using the extended Cox model. Age, sex, comorbidities, and household income level were included as covariates.

Results

A total of 776 and 3,880 individuals were included as the exposure and comparison cohorts, respectively. The risks of trunk injury and upper extremity injury were significantly higher in the exposure cohort. Extended Cox models with multivariable adjustment showed significantly increased risk for up to 1 year, with the first 1-month; 1 month to 3 months; and 3 months to 1 year hazard ratios of 5.23 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.83–9.64); 1.50 (95% CI, 1.02–2.20); and 1.37 (95% CI, 1.11–1.68), respectively.

Conclusion

Patients visiting EDs for acute peripheral vertigo are at a higher risk of a new injury for up to a year.

Trends in Fatal and Nonfatal Injuries Among Older Americans, 2004-2017

INTRODUCTION

This study (1) provides annual population estimates of fatal and nonfatal injury incidence rates for older adults for 2004-2017; (2) determines if trends differ by whether the injury was fatal or nonfatal, a fall or nonfall injury, and for nonfatal injuries, minor or serious; and (3) investigates whether trends vary by age, sex, and race.

METHODS

This study used National Vital Statistics System and National Health Interview Survey data covering the population of adults aged ≥65 years for 2004-2017. Fatal injury incidence rates were estimated using negative binomial models; nonfatal injury incidence rates were estimated using Poisson models. All models compared overall risk and trend differences by year, age, sex, and race, and interactions between year and age, sex, and race. All analyses were conducted in 2019.

RESULTS

Fatal injury incidence was stable over time, but this apparent stability masked a 35% increase in fatal falls and a 17% decrease in fatal nonfall injuries. Increases in fall-related deaths were concentrated among those aged ≥85 years, men, and white older adults. The trend in fatal falls accelerated over time for those aged ≥85 years and white older adults. By contrast, there was a large increase in nonfatal injury incidence, occurring across all injury types. Nonfatal injury risk grew with age and was higher for women and white older adults, but trends did not vary by age, sex, or race.

CONCLUSIONS

Large increases in fatal and nonfatal injuries underscore the urgency of national implementation of fall prevention programs and expanding fall prevention efforts to more general injury prevention.

Association and Dose-Response Relationship of Self-Reported Physical Activity and Disability Among Adults ≥50 Years: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2016

Disability is a tremendous public health challenge. No study has assessed whether meeting U.S. Physical Activity guidelines is associated with disability in mobility tasks, activities of daily living, and social participation among U.S. older adults. Using 2011-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, this study examined this relationship among 8,309 individuals aged ≥50 years. Most participants (n = 4,272) did not achieve guidelines, and 2,912 participants were completely inactive. People who did not meet guidelines had higher odds of disability compared with those who did (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.80) in addition to difficulty with mobility tasks (AOR = 1.85), activities of daily living (AOR = 1.66), and social participation (AOR = 2.09). There was a dose-response effect for each level of activity (inactive, insufficient, and meeting and exceeding recommendations). Among adults aged ≥50 years, meeting the U.S. guidelines was associated with better social and physical functioning.

Social vulnerability underlying disability amongst older adults: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Older adults face radical changes in their social life during ageing, dealing with several age-related social adaptations. The aim of this review is to systematically explore the literature on social vulnerability (SV) and its association with functional decline activity of daily living (ADL)/instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) as an endpoint in older adults.

METHODS

We searched for relevant studies in three different databases: PubMed, Ovid Medline and PsychInfo. Inclusion criteria included: prospective cohort studies assessing SV correlation; studies in English, Italian, French and Spanish to the end of March 2018; a general population aged >65 years living in a community setting and/or studies including younger participants if the mean age was >65 years; and basic ADL and/or IADL by Katz and Lawton, respectively, as functional decline and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

We identified 65 manuscripts that assessed the role of SV in functional decline. Our systematic analysis showed that 26, 36 and 19 studies observed a correlation between Basic Social Needs, Social Resources and Social Behaviour and Activity, respectively, and the onset of ADL/IADL functional decline. Twenty-six studies explored the correlation between General Social Resources and the onset of ADL/IADL functional decline.

CONCLUSIONS

When examining a wide set of social variables, the "quality," rather than just structure, and "type" of social relationship represents the core feature of SV that predicts functional decline in older adults. By defining individual SV, its measurement and evaluation, we can plan effective social interventions aimed at preventing or delaying functional decline or death.

Emergency department and inpatient utilization among U.S. older adults with multiple chronic conditions: a post-reform update

Background

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted to enhance access to care primarily among nonelderly and low-income populations; however, several provisions addressed key determinants of emergency department (ED) and inpatient visits among Medicare beneficiaries over age 65 years. We take stock of the overall changes in these visits among older Medicare beneficiaries, focusing on those with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs), and provide a nationally representative post-reform update.

Methods

We analyzed a sample of 32,919 older adults (65+) on Medicare from the 2006–2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Using a survey-weighted two-part model, we examined changes in ED visits, inpatient visits, and length of stay (LOS) by MCC status, before (2006–2010), during (2011–2013), and after the ACA (2014–2015).

Results

Prior to the ACA, 18.1% of Medicare older adults had ≥1 ED visit, whereas 17.1% had ≥1 inpatient visits, with an average of 5.1 nights/visit. Following ACA reforms, among those with 2+ chronic conditions, the rate of ever having an ED visit increased by 4.3 percentage points [95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.5, 6.1, p < 0.01], whereas the rate of inpatient visits decreased by 1.4 percentage points [95%CI: − 2.9, 0.2, p < 0.1], after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusions

We found sizable increases in ED visits and nontrivial decreases in inpatient visits among older Medicare beneficiaries with MCCs, underscoring the continuing need for improving access to and quality of care among older adults with MCCs to decrease reliance on the ED and reduce preventable hospitalizations.

Feasibility of Tele-Prompt: A tablet-based prompted voiding intervention to support informal caregivers of older adults with urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a highly prevalent condition, burdening older adults and their informal caregivers. This study explored the development and feasibility of a 6-week evidence-based, educational/skill building program delivered via tablet-personal computer aimed at developing informal caregiver UI knowledge; and enhancing informal caregiver skill set in prompted voiding and toileting strategies. Caregivers also received individualized weekly coaching sessions from a nurse expert. Feasibility and preliminary efficacy were tested in three caregiver/care-recipient dyads. Recruitment of eligible participants through community-based resources was a challenge to feasibility. Most caregivers found the technology acceptable, but adherence to prompted voiding was inconsistent. All caregivers rated the intervention highly, reported improvements in their care-recipient's urine leakage, found access to a UI expert beneficial, and would recommend it to a friend. The results suggest that the tablet-facilitated intervention was feasible and acceptable to informal caregivers and showed promise for improving both caregiver and care recipient outcomes.

Sex differences in physical performance by age, educational level, ethnic groups and birth cohort: The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam

BACKGROUND

Older women perform consistently poorer on physical performance tests compared to men. Risk groups for this "female disadvantage" in physical performance and it's development over successive birth cohorts are unknown. This is important information for preventive strategies aimed to enhance healthy aging in all older women. This study aims to longitudinal investigate whether there are risk groups for a more apparent female disadvantage and study its trend over successive birth cohorts.

METHODS

Data of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) were used. All participants were aged 55-65 years at baseline. Longitudinal data of two birth cohorts with baseline measurements in 1992/1993 (n = 966, 24 year follow-up) and 2002/2003 (n = 1002, 12 year follow-up) were included. Follow-up measurements were repeated every three/four years. Cross-sectional data of two additional cohorts were included to compare ethnic groups: a Dutch cohort (2012/2013, n = 1023) and a Migration cohort (2013/2014, n = 478) consisting of migrants with a Turkish/Moroccan ethnicity.

RESULTS

Mixed model analysis showed that women aged 55 years and older had a lower age- and height-adjusted gait speed (-0.03 m/s; -0.063-0.001), chair stand speed (-0.05 stand/s; -0.071--0.033), handgrip strength (-14,8 kg; -15.69--13.84) and balance (OR = 0.71; 0.547-0.916) compared to men. The sex difference in handgrip strength diminished with increasing age, but remained stable for gait speed, chair stand speed and balance. In general, results were consistent across different, educational levels and Turkish/Moroccan ethnic groups and birth cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a consistent "female disadvantage" in physical performance among older adults, which remains stable with increasing age (except for handgrip strength) and is consistent across different educational levels, ethnic groups and successive birth cohorts. So, no specific risk groups for the female disadvantage in physical performance were identified. Preventive strategies aimed to enhance healthy aging in older women are needed and should target all older women.

Disability incidence and functional decline among older adults with major chronic diseases

Background

More than 80% of elderly Americans have at least one chronic disease. While past studies have shown that hierarchical patterns of functional loss may differ by gender and institutional settings, little is known about whether such patterns differ in relation to chronic health condition. The aim of this study is to investigate the pattern of functional loss among older adults with major chronic illnesses, and to compare their onset and ordering of incident ADL disability with those of persons without such conditions.

Methods

We use a nationally representative sample of persons aged 80+ from the 1998–2014 Asset and Health Dynamics of the Oldest Old survey. The group with major noncommunicable diseases (including cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes) comprises 3,514,052 subjects, while the comparison group comprises 1,073,263 subjects. Self-reports of having difficulty with six distinct ADLs are used to estimate disability incidence rate. Nonparametric statistical methods are used to derive median onset ages and ADL loss sequence separately for each group.

Results

Older adults with major chronic diseases have higher rates of incident disability across all ADL items. Estimated median onset ages of ADL disabilities for the full sample range from 91.5 to 95.6. Disability occurs earlier for chronically ill persons (onset ages 91.1–95.0) than for those in the comparison group (onset ages 93.5–98.1). Among those with major chronic diseases, the ADL loss sequence ordered by median ages of disability onset is bathing, walking, dressing, toileting, transferring and eating. The activities are also distinctly separated into an early-loss cluster and a late-loss cluster. Although the loss sequence derived for the comparison group is largely similar, disability progression for those with major chronic diseases is compressed within a shorter timeframe and the timing gaps between adjacent disabilities are smaller.

Conclusions

Older Americans with major noncommunicable diseases face an earlier and steeper slope of functional decline. Chronic care delivery programs should adapt to dynamic changes in older patients’ functional status. Health interventions to help patients delay disability onset and optimize functional autonomy within emerging models of chronic care should especially target early-loss activities such as bathing, dressing, and walking.

Somatosensory perception sensitivity in voluntary postural sway movements: Age, gender and sway effect magnitudes

OBJECTIVES

1) to develop a reliable device for assessing somatosensory perception sensitivity in voluntary postural sway movement, specifically a sway discrimination apparatus (SwayDA) for testing voluntary lateral sway discrimination sensitivity (VLSDS); 2) to explore the relationship between mobility performance and VLSDS in older adults, and 3) to determine the effects of age, gender and sway magnitude on VLSDS.

METHODS

First, eighteen healthy young adults (8 males, 10 females, age ranging from 22 to 70) were recruited for a test-retest reliability study. During the SwayDA test, the participants were asked to discriminate between four possible medial-lateral sway extents when moving away from neutral standing. For Objective 2, twenty-five older participants (9 males, 16 females, mean age 70.1) undertook both the SwayDA and the mobility tests. The mobility testing battery consisted of single task and cognitive dual task timed-up and-go tests, and the 5 times sit-to-stand test. Pearson's correlation was calculated between SwayDA scores and mobility performance. For Objective 3, 20 community-dwelling adults over 65 years old (10 males, 10 females, mean age 71.3) and 20 young volunteers (10 males, 10 females, mean age 23.6) were recruited to study the effects of age, gender and sway magnitude on VLSDS. To obtain a bias-free measure of VLSDS, the probability of correct response was considered as the true-positive judgment, while the probability of incorrect response was considered as false-positive judgment, and these were cumulated across the response values. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was then generated and the Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) was used to measure VLSDS.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in AUC scores between Day 1 and Day 8 (p > 0.05). ICC(3,1) reliability indices were 0.750 for sway to the left and 0.879 for sway to the right. Pearson's correlation revealed a significant correlation between the SwayDA sores and timed-up-and-go (TUG), cognitive dual task TUG, 5 times sit-to-stand test (r = -0.456, -0.522, and - 0.416 respectively, all p < 0.05). Factorial ANOVA showed age and gender main effects (F = 8.144, p < 0.01, and F = 8.806, p < 0.01, respectively), suggesting older adults and females had worse VLSDS. In addition, a significant difference was found between the young and older participants in the inner range of VLSDS (t = -2.875, p < 0.017), indicating that the decline of somatosensory perception of postural sway in older people may be magnitude-specific, and greatest for small deviations from upright stance.

CONCLUSIONS

The SwayDA has good to excellent test-retest reliability. The finding that VLSDS score was significantly correlated with mobility performance in older adults highlights the importance of somatosensory perception in postural control. More importantly, the significantly worse VLSDS in older people observed in the inner lateral movement range may represent a unique characteristic of neuromuscular degeneration associated with aging, which should be monitored and addressed in rehabilitation programs.

Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Functional Limitations in Older Adults from 2005-2014 NHANES

Background: Food insecurity refers to the physical, social, and economic inability to access and secure sufficient, safe and nutritious food. Food insecurity has been found to be associated with poor health status, obesity, and chronic disease. To date, a relationship between food insecurity and functional limitations has not been described in of older adults. Methods: We examined 9309 adults ≥60 years old from the 2005-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Food security was categorized as full, marginal, low, and very low. Functional limitations were assessed as having difficulty in physical, basic or instrumental activities of daily living. Results: Of adults ≥60 years old (mean age: 70.5 ± 0.08, 51% female), the prevalence of full, marginal, low, or very low food insecurity was 7572 (81%), 717 (7%), 667 (8%), and 353 (4%), respectively. The prevalence of any functional limitations was 5895 (66.3%). The adjusted odds (OR [95%CI]) of having any functional limitation in marginal, low, and very low food security levels compared to full food security are: 1.08 [1.02-1.13], 1.16 [1.10-1.22], 1.14 [1.07-1.21], respectively. The association between levels of food insecurity and functional limitation is modified by race/ethnicity. Conclusions: Functional limitation is significantly associated with increasing food insecurity in older adults.

Visual impairment and the use of formal and informal home care in Canada: the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

OBJECTIVE

To determine the use of home care services in those with and without visual impairment in Canada.

DESIGN

Population-based cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants came from the baseline examination of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Comprehensive Cohort. Inclusion criteria included age between 45 and 85 years, community dwelling, and living near one of the 11 data collection sites across 7 Canadian provinces. People were excluded if they were in an institution, were living on a First Nations reserve, were full-time members of the Canadian Armed Forces, did not speak French or English, or had cognitive impairment.

METHODS

Presenting visual acuity was measured using the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart at 2 meters. Visual impairment was defined as binocular acuity worse than 20/60. The use of formal, informal, and both types of home care was determined by questionnaire.

RESULTS

For 29 666 participants, the use of any home care was greater in those with visual impairment than in those without (28% vs 12%, respectively, p < 0.01). After adjusting for demographics and health, people with visual impairment were more likely to use informal home care (odds ratio [OR] = 1.89, 95% CI 1.35-2.63) and formal home care/both types of home care (OR = 2.70, 95% CI 1.79-4.07) than those without visual impairment. Marital status was a modifier.

CONCLUSION

Visual impairment is associated with use of home care services. These findings warrant further exploration and, if confirmed, have major health service implications, given the rising prevalence of visual impairment due to age-related eye diseases.

Risk Factors for Falls in Hospital In-Patients: A Prospective Nested Case Control Study

Background: Patient falls are considered a challenge to the patient’s safety in hospitals, which, in addition to increasing the length of stay and costs, may also result in severe injuries or even the death of the patient. This study aims to investigate the associations between risk factors among fallers in comparison with the control group.

Methods: A prospective nested case control study was performed on 185 patients who fell and 1141 controls were matched with the patients at risk of fall in the same ward and during the same time. This study was conducted in a university educational hospital in Tehran with 800 beds during a 9-month period. The data included demographics, comorbidities, admission details, types of medication, clinical conditions, and activities before or during the fall. The data was collected from clinical records, hospital information system, error reporting system and observations, and the interviews with the fallers, their families and care givers (physicians, nurses, etc). Data analysis was conducted through time-based matching using a multi-level analysis.

Results: In a multilevel model including patient-related, medication, and care-related variables, the factors that were significantly associated with an increased risk of patient falls included: longer length of stay (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01; CI=0.32 to 0.73), using chemotherapy drugs, sedatives, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, visual acuity (OR=6.93; CI=4.22 to 11.38), balance condition (OR= 6.41; CI=4.51 to 9.11), manual transfer aid (OR=8.47; CI=5.65 to 12.69), urinary incontinence (OR= 8.47, CI= 5.65 to 12.69), and cancer (OR=2.86, CI=1.84-4.44). These factors were found to be associating with more odds for a falling accident among patients. Several characteristics such as fall history (OR=0.48; CI= 1.003 to 1.02), poly-pharmacy (OR=1.37, CI=00.85 to 2.2), stroke (OR=0.94, CI= 0.44 to 2.02), and nurse to patient ratio (incidence rate ratio=1.01, CI=0.01 to 0.03) were not significantly associated with falling in hospitals.

Conclusion: It seems that a combination of both patient-related factors and history of medication should be considered. Moreover, modifiable clinical characteristics of patients such as vision improvement, provision of manual transfer aid, diabetes control, regular toilet program, and drug modification should be considered during the formulation of interventions.

Diversity in the Factors Associated with ADL-Related Disability among Older People in Six Middle-Income Countries: A Cross-Country Comparison

The low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are experiencing rapid population ageing, yet knowledge about disability among older populations in these countries is scarce. This study aims to identify the prevalence and factors associated with disability among people aged 50 years and over in six LMICs. Cross-sectional data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and adult health Wave 1 (2007-2010) in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, the Russian Federation, and South Africa was used. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were undertaken to examine the association between sociodemographic factors, health behaviours, chronic conditions, and activities of daily living (ADL) disability. The prevalence of disability among older adults ranged from 16.2% in China to 55.7% in India. Older age, multimorbidity, and depression were the most common factors related to disability in all six countries. Gender was significant in China (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01-1.29), Ghana (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01-1.48) and India (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.37-1.99). Having no access to social capital was significantly associated with ADL disability in China (OR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.54-4.31) and South Africa (OR = 4.11, 95% CI: 1.79-9.43). Prevalence data is valuable in these six ageing countries, with important evidence on mitigating factors for each. Identifying determinants associated with ADL disability among older people in LMICs can inform how to best implement health prevention programmes considering different country-specific factors.

Determinants of functional decline in older adults experiencing cancer (the INCAPAC study)

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported on the higher risk of functional decline among older patients with cancer. However, few have focused on factors of functional decline in older persons with cancer and are mainly hospital-based and focus on consequences of cancer treatment. The aim of the study was to identify determinants of functional decline in older subjects with cancer in a population-based study.

METHODS

Using cancer registries, we identified older subjects (age ≥ 65 years) with cancer in three prospective cohort studies from Gironde, a French department. Functional status was measured using the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and the basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scales, and functional decline was measured between cancer pre- and post-diagnosis visits. Studied variables were demographic and socioeconomic (age at diagnosis, sex, living alone, education), cancer-related (stage at diagnosis, treatment received), smoking status, health-related (polypharmacy, depressive symptomatology), and geriatric-specific (cognitive impairment or dementia). Analyses were performed using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Age (≥85 years), cognitive impairment or dementia, and advanced stage at diagnosis were associated with a higher risk of ADL limitations, whether considering death or not. Age (≥85 years), education and polypharmacy were associated with a higher risk of ADL and/or IADL limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified factors that could impact on ADL and/or IADL limitations in older patients with cancer. The information on these determinants is useful in clinical settings to identify patients with cancer at high risk of functional decline.

Disability and Its Influencing Factors among the Elderly in a County, Guangxi Province, China

Objectives: This study aims to understand the disability status of the elderly residents of a County (Guangxi Province, China) and explore its influencing factors. Methods: Respondents consisted of 2300 elderly people aged 60 and above from three townships in the county we studied. The Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale was used to assess the disability of the elderly sample. Chi-square test was applied to compare the disability rate among the elderly with different demographic characteristics. The graph showed the disability rates of ADL, six items of Physical Activities of Daily Living (PADL) and eight items of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) at different ages. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of disability rate among the elderly. Results: The disability rates of ADL, PADL, and IADL in the elderly were 43.4%, 11.6%, and 42.4%, respectively. As with the increase in age, the disability rates of ADL, IADL, PADL, and their 14 items gradually increased (p < 0.05), with walking, using the telephone, and using public vehicles having higher disability rates than other items. The influencing factors of ADL disability were gender (OR = 0.579, 95%CI = 0.441⁻0.759), age (OR = 2.270, 95%CI = 1.867⁻2.759; OR = 4.719, 95%CI = 2.998⁻7.429; OR = 6.249, 95%CI = 3.667⁻10.648), educational level (OR = 2.844, 95%CI = 2.076⁻3.897; OR = 1.677, 95%CI = 1.246⁻2.230), and having metabolic syndrome (MetS) (OR = 1.298, 95%CI = 1.044⁻1.613). Compared with ADL, the influencing factor of PADL disability was gender, whereas that of IADL disability was whether someone had MetS. Conclusions: With age, the possibility of ADL, PADL, and IADL damage in the elderly is higher. Gender, age, educational level, the number of chronic diseases, and whether someone has MetS might be the influencing factors of disability. Interventions should be taken from a variety of sources specific to the content of each entry.

FIT & STRONG! PLUS: DESCRIPTIVE DEMOGRAPHIC AND RISK CHARACTERISTICS IN A COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS TRIAL FOR OLDER AFRICAN-AMERICAN ADULTS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS

Objectives

The prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) has increased in the US. We report on a comparative effectiveness trial that compares Fit & Strong!, an existing evidence-based physical activity (PA) program, to Fit & Strong! Plus, which combines the Fit & Strong! intervention with a weight management intervention.

Methods

Participants included 413 overweight/obese (BMI 25-50 kg/m²) adults with lower extremity (LE) OA. The majority of the sample was African-American and female. Both interventions met 3 times weekly for 8 weeks. Primary measures included diet and weight.

Results

The baseline mean BMI for all participants was 34.8 kg/m^², percentage of calories from fat was high, and self-reported PA was low.

Discussion

This sample of overweight/obese African-American adults had lifestyle patterns at baseline that were less than healthful, and there were differences between self-report and performance-based measures as a function of age.

Unmet needs of activities of daily living among a community-based sample of disabled elderly people in Eastern China: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

China has the largest population of partially or completely disabled elderly people in the world. Although the disabled elderly people try to remain independent in their lives, many still need assistance from others. Failure to obtain sufficient assistance creates a situation of unmet need. Unmet needs of activities of daily living (ADL) for disabled elderly people pose significant risks for hospitalization and mortality and cause an increased economic burden on families and society. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors of unmet needs among the disabled elderly in China to guide government toward corrective action.

METHODS

A total of 303 older adults from 15 communities in Nanjing, China were recruited. The Barthel Index (BI) and Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) were used to screen disabled elderly people from the communities. These disabled elderly participants were then investigated in terms of their unmet ADL needs, using an unmet needs assessment form, which had been adapted from the BI and FAQ. Additionally, the Zarit Burden Interview and Family Caregiver Task Inventory were used to survey the main caregivers. Finally, univariate analysis was first used to filter out candidate impact factors, and then, binary logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for cofounders and determine reliable risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 93.1% of the disabled elderly people in our study reported at least one unmet need. The prevalence of unmet needs for different ADL tasks ranged from 4.6 to 77.2%. The unmet needs with the highest percentages were using vehicles (77.2%), using stairs (73.1%), working on a hobby (72.1%), social interaction (62.6%) and ambulating (60.1%). The factors influencing unmet needs were related to the degree of disability in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) (OR = 1.079, p ≤ 0.01), the relationship with caregivers (OR = 1.429, p ≤ 0.05) and the monthly income of caregivers (OR = 0.679, p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Disabled elderly people living in communities had a high percentage of unmet needs for activities of daily life that required going outside the bedroom and involved spiritual aspects. Unmet needs increased with worsening disability status in IADL, more distanced relationships with caregivers and lower incomes of caregivers. Both government and caregivers should take more action to prevent or reduce unmet needs among the elderly.

Assessment of Horizontal Inequity in Eye Care Utilization in the Iranian Middle-aged Population

PURPOSE

The present study was designed to determine the extent that horizontal inequity was realized regarding eye care utilization in a middle-aged population as well as factors affecting this equity.

METHODS

Data were obtained from a population-based study (Shahroud Eye Cohort Study) in 2009 that included 5190 participants from 40 to 64 years of age. Horizontal inequity was determined based on the following variables: (i) economic status, (ii) eye care service needs, (iii) non-need variables, and (iv) eye care utilization (visiting an ophthalmologist or optometrist). Decomposition analysis of the concentration index based on a nonlinear model and indirect standardization was used to ascertain the contribution of each factor in inequity of eye care utilization.

RESULTS

After adjusting for need variables, the results of our study demonstrated that horizontal inequity in eye care utilization in a middle-aged Iranian population remained positive and significant (horizontal inequity: 0.19; 95% confidence interval: 0.17-0.23) indicating that use of services was focused among participants with a better financial situation. Furthermore, decomposition analysis demonstrated that educational level and economic status had the greatest contribution (54.1% and 41.1%, respectively) in comparison to other variables.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that horizontal inequity exists in eye care utilization among the middle-aged Iranian population.

A Longitudinal Study Examining the Change in Functional Independence Over Time in Elderly Individuals With a Functioning Kidney Transplant

Background:

Functional disability is defined as the need for assistance with self-care tasks.

Objective:

To document changes in functional status over time among older prevalent renal transplant recipients.

Design:

Single center, prospective, follow-up study.

Setting:

Single center, tertiary care transplant center.

Patients:

Patients, with a functioning kidney transplant, aged 65 years or older who underwent assessment of functional status approximately 12 months previously.

Measurements:

Validated tools used included Barthel Index, the Lawton-Brody Scale of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, the Timed Up and Go test, the Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire, the Mini-Cog, and dynamometer handgrip strength.

Methods:

Outpatient assessment by a trained observer.

Results:

Of the 82 patients previously studied, 64 (78%) patients participated in the follow-up study (mean age 70.5 ± 4.4 years, 58% male, 55% diabetic). Among those completing functional status measures, 32 (50%) had functional disability at baseline. Over the 1-year period, 11 (17%) of these patients experienced progressive functional decline, 6 (9%) exhibited no change, and 15 (23%) had functional recovery. Eleven patients (17%) initially independent, developed new-onset disability. One of the strongest predictors of progressive functional decline was having 1 or more falls in the previous year.

Limitations:

Assessments were performed only on 2 occasions separated by approximately 1 year.

Conclusions:

Fluctuations in disability states are common among older adults living with renal transplants. Episodes of functional disability may place individuals at higher risk of persistent and/or progressive disability.

Breaking the cycle of functional decline in older dialysis patients

Currently, older adults comprise nearly one-third of prevalent US dialysis patients, and this proportion will increase as the population ages. Older dialysis patients experience greater morbidity and mortality than nondialysis patients of the same age, and in part, it is related to progressive functional decline. Progressive functional decline, characterized by need for assistance with more than 2 activities of daily living, contributes to risk of hospitalization, further functional decline, and subsequent nursing home placement when a patient no longer functions independently at home. Progressive functional decline may appear to be unavoidable for older dialysis patients; however, comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) may alleviate the prevalence and severity of functional decline. This editorial summarizes common risk factors of functional decline and introduces CGA as a potentially transformative approach to breaking the cycle of functional decline in older dialysis patients.