Levels of customary physical activity among the old and the very old living at home

Could self-reported physical performance help predict individuals at the highest risk of mortality and hospital admission events in clinical practice? Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

AIM

To consider how self-reported physical function measures relate to adverse clinical outcomes measured over 20 years of follow-up in a community-dwelling cohort (aged 59-73 at baseline) as compared with hand grip strength, a well-validated predictor of adverse events.

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence has emphasized the significant association of physical activity, physical performance, and muscle strength with hospital admissions in older people. However, physical performance tests require staff availability, training, specialized equipment, and space to perform them, often not feasible or realistic in the context of a busy clinical setting.

METHODS

In total, 2997 men and women were analyzed. Baseline predictors were measured grip strength (Jamar dynamometer) and the following self-reported measures: physical activity (Dallosso questionnaire); physical function score (SF-36 Health Survey); and walking speed. Participants were followed up from baseline (1998-2004) until December 2018 using UK Hospital Episode Statistics and mortality data, which report clinical outcomes using ICD-10 coding. Predictors in relation to the risk of mortality and hospital admission events were examined using Cox regression with and without adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics.

FINDINGS

The mean age at baseline was 65.7 and 66.6 years among men and women, respectively. Over follow-up, 36% of men and 26% of women died, while 93% of men and 92% of women were admitted to hospital at least once. Physical activity, grip strength, SF-36 physical function, and walking speed were all strongly associated with adverse health outcomes in both sex- and fully adjusted analyses; poorer values for each of the predictors were related to greater risk of mortality (all-cause, cardiovascular-related) and any, neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, any fracture, and falls admissions. SF-36 physical function and grip strength were similarly associated with the adverse health outcomes considered.

Fracture Risk and Health Profiles Differ According to Relationship Status: Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

Registry studies have suggested associations between relationship status and fracture risk. We considered associations between relationship status and incident fracture in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, comprising community-dwelling older adults, and explored associations between socioeconomic and lifestyle factors with relationship status. 2997 participants completed a baseline questionnaire (1998-2004) and clinic visit. Participants were followed up until December 2018 using Hospital Episode Statistics, which report clinical outcomes using codes from the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10); these codes were used to ascertain incident fractures. Relationship status (not currently married/cohabiting vs currently married/cohabiting) at baseline was examined in relation to incident fracture using Cox regression. Associations between baseline characteristics and relationship status were examined using logistic regression. Mean baseline age was 66.2 years. 80% were married/cohabiting at baseline; 15% had an incident fracture (mean (SD) follow-up duration: 14.4 (4.5) years). The following were related to greater likelihood of not being married/cohabiting: older age (women only); higher BMI (women only); current smoking; high alcohol consumption (men only); poorer diet quality (men only); lower physical activity; leaving school before age 15 (women only); and not owning one's home. Those not married/cohabiting had greater risk of incident fracture compared to those who were (age-adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) 1.58 (1.06, 2.38) among men, 1.35 (1.06, 1.72) among women); associations were attenuated after accounting for the above factors associated with relationship status in the corresponding sex. This suggests that differences in health profiles and lifestyle according to relationship status may explain the association between relationship status and fracture risk.

Lifecourse correlates of self-rated health and associations with subsequent mortality: findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

Background

Poor self-rated health (SRH) has been shown to predict adverse health outcomes among older people, however these associations have traditionally only been considered at one point in the lifecourse, usually midlife or later. Here we examined lifecourse correlates of SRH in early, mid and later life, relating these to subsequent risk of mortality in a community-dwelling cohort.

Methods

2989 men and women from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study (HCS) were included in this study. The HCS was initially retrospective and linked contemporary health outcome data to early life data available from health ledgers but investigations from baseline (1998-2004, aged 59-73) onwards have been prospective. At baseline, participants completed an initial clinic visit, which included questionnaire assessment of SRH, reported as 'excellent', 'very good', 'good', 'fair', or 'poor'. Socioeconomic, lifestyle, mental health and demographic information was also collected. Deaths were recorded from baseline to 31/12/2018. Baseline characteristics in relation to SRH were examined using sex-stratified ordinal logistic regression; these factors were examined in relation to mortality using sex-stratified Cox regression. Statistically significant exposures were then included in sex-stratified mutually-adjusted models.

Results

In mutually-adjusted analysis, numerous contemporaneous correlates of poorer SRH in the seventh decade were identified and included obesity, lower physical activity, greater comorbidity and higher levels of depression among men and women. For example, odds ratios for being in a lower category of SRH were as follows: obese (BMI≥30) vs underweight/healthy (BMI<25) (men 1.60 (1.21, 2.11), women 1.65 (1.25, 2.17)) and per additional system medicated (men 1.62 (1.47, 1.77), women 1.53 (1.41, 1.66)). By contrast, factors earlier in the lifecourse (early growth, age left full-time education) were not associated with SRH in late adulthood. 36% of men and 26% of women died during follow-up. Hazard ratios (95% CI) for mortality per lower category of SRH were 1.22 (1.10,1.36) among men and 1.17 (1.01,1.35) among women after adjustment for age, BMI, smoking, physical activity, diet quality, education, home ownership status, comorbidity level and depression levels, suggesting residual confounding by other unrecorded factors that are related to SRH.

Conclusions

Poorer SRH in the seventh decade was a risk factor for mortality. Importantly modifiable adverse health behaviours in the seventh decade, such as low physical activity, were associated with poorer SRH and later mortality after adjustment for socioeconomic factors and comorbidity level. By contrast early growth and education were not related to later SRH. These data suggest that attention to lifestyle in late midlife may be associated with better SRH and subsequent health outcomes, highlighting the value of intervention at this stage of the lifecourse.

Exploring Factors Associated with Physical Activity in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively influenced individuals' physical activity levels (PALs) and particularly the PAL of the elderly. However, few studies have examined the correlates of PALs in this population during the pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate the residence-specific correlates of PALs in elderly people from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were 211 persons older than 65 years (101 females), of whom 111 were community-dwelling residents, and 110 were nursing home residents (71.11 ± 3.11 and 72.22 ± 4.01 years of age, respectively; t-test = 0.91, p < 0.05). The variables included health status, residential status sociodemographic factors, anthropometrics (body mass, height, and body mass index), and PAL. PAL was evaluated using a translated version of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and was validated in this study. PASE showed good test-retest reliability (51% of the common variance) and validity (57% of the common variance, with the step count measured using pedometers). Apart from participants' health status and age, PAL was positively correlated with (i) community-dwelling residence (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.60-2.23), and (ii) a lower BMI (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.71-0.98). The pre-pandemic physical activity was positively correlated with the PAL of the nursing home residents (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.02-1.45). A higher education level was positively correlated with the PAL of community-dwelling residents (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.04-1.66). This study evidenced the residence-specific correlates of PALs, and enabled the identification of specific groups that are at risk of having low PALs during the pandemic. Future studies examining this problem during a non-pandemic period are warranted.

Hospital admissions and mortality over 20 years in community-dwelling older people: findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Demographic changes worldwide are leading to pressures on health services, with hospital admissions representing an important contributor. Here, we report admission types experienced by older people and examine baseline risk factors for subsequent admission/death, from the community-based Hertfordshire Cohort Study.

METHODS

2997 participants (1418 women) completed a baseline questionnaire and clinic visit to characterize their health. Participants were followed up from baseline (1998-2004, aged 59-73 years) until December 2018 using UK Hospital Episode Statistics and mortality data, which report clinical outcomes using ICD-10 coding. Baseline characteristics in relation to the risk of admission/death during follow-up were examined using sex-stratified univariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 36% of men and 26% of women died and 93% of men and 92% of women had at least one hospital admission; 6% of men and 7% of women had no admissions and were alive at end of follow-up. The most common types of admission during follow-up were cardiovascular (ever experienced: men 71%, women 68%) and respiratory (men 40%, women 34%). In both sexes, baseline risk factors that were associated (p < 0.05) with admission/death during follow-up were older age, poorer SF-36 physical function, and poorer self-rated health. In men, manual social class and a history of smoking, and in women, higher BMI, not owning one's home, and a minor trauma fracture since age 45, were also risk factors for admission/death.

CONCLUSIONS

Sociodemographic factors were related to increased risk of admission/death but a small proportion experienced no admissions during this period, suggesting that healthy ageing is achievable.

The perks of doing housework: Longitudinal associations with survival and underlying mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Although the majority of existing literature has suggested positive effects of housework on older adults' health and survival rate, the underlying mechanisms of such effects remain unclear. To address potential mechanisms, the present study examined the association between older adults' housework engagement and days of survival across 14 years and tested three potential mediation pathways in this association.

METHODS

Four thousand Hong Kong older adults (50% female; aged between 65 and 98 years) participated in a longitudinal study in which they reported initial housework engagement and health status across three domains (cognitive functioning, physical health, and mental health) at the baseline, and the numbers of days they survived over the subsequent 14-year period were recorded. Linear regression, Cox proportional hazard, and parallel mediation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between housework engagement and days survived, and the mediating effects of these three health factors.

RESULTS

The results showed a positive association between housework engagement and days survived after controlling for demographic variables (age, sex, education, marital status, subjective social status, and living alone). Physical health and mental health, but not cognitive functioning, partially mediated the relationship between housework engagement and days survived. The findings suggest that doing housework may contribute to longer survival by improving older adults' physical and mental health.

CONCLUSION

The current study confirms positive relations of housework with health and mortality among Hong Kong older adults. As the first study examining the relationships and mediation pathways between doing housework and survival in later life, the findings advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the positive association between housework and mortality and provide insights for future daily-life health-promotion interventions for older adults.

Determinants of muscle density and clinical outcomes: Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

PURPOSE

The age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength is associated with adverse health outcomes. However, to date, peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT)-derived muscle density has been little studied. We used a well characterised cohort of older adults to identify lifestyle and anthropometric determinants of pQCT-derived muscle density measured 11 years later, and to report relationships between pQCT-derived muscle density with history of falls and prevalent fractures.

METHODS

A lifestyle questionnaire was administered to 197 men and 178 women, aged 59-70 at baseline. After a median of 11.5 (IQR 10.9, 12.3) years, pQCT (Stratec XCT2000) of the radius and tibia was performed to measure forearm muscle density (FMD) and calf muscle density (CMD). Presence of falls and fractures since the age of 45 were determined through participant recall; vertebral fractures were also ascertained through vertebral fracture assessment using iDXA. Total hip BMD (TH aBMD) was assessed using DXA. Baseline characteristics in relation to muscle density at follow-up were examined using linear regression; associations between muscle density and prior falls and fractures were investigated using logistic regression. All analyses were adjusted for sex and age.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) age at muscle density measurement was 76.3 (2.6) years. Mean (SD) FMD was 79.9 (3.1) and 77.2 (3.2) among males and females, respectively; CMD was 80.7 (2.6) and 78.5 (2.6) among males and females, respectively. Significant sex-differences in muscle density were observed at each site (p < 0.001). Female sex, lower weight, and lower body mass index were associated (p < 0.05) with both lower FMD and CMD. Additional correlates of lower CMD included older age and shorter stature. Lifestyle measures were not associated with muscle density in this cohort. Lower FMD was related to increased risk of previous fracture (odds ratio (95 % CI) per SD lower FMD: 1.42 (1.07, 1.89), p = 0.015) but not after adjustment for TH aBMD (p > 0.08). No significant relationships were seen between muscle density and falls.

CONCLUSION

Female sex, older age, and lower BMI were associated with subsequent lower muscle density in older community-dwelling adults. Lower FMD was related to increased risk of previous fracture. Changes in muscle density over time might precede adverse outcomes such as falls and fractures and may be a long-term predictor of frailty. It could be also suggested that muscle density could be a more clinically meaningful surrogate of functional decline and disability than muscle size or mass, but more studies are needed to support this notion.

Relationships Between Muscle Parameters and History of Falls and Fractures in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study: Do All Muscle Components Relate Equally to Clinical Outcomes?

In previous work, relationships between muscle and bone size and strength have been demonstrated and were stronger in females, suggesting possible sexual dimorphism. Here we examine sex-specific associations between individual muscle sarcopenia components with clinical outcomes (falls and fractures). 641 participants were recruited. Muscle mass was assessed as cross-sectional area (CSA) by peripheral quantitative computed tomography of the calf, grip strength (GpS) by Jamar dynamometry and function by gait speed (GtS). Falls and fractures were self-reported. Ordinal and logistic regression were used to examine the associations between muscle measurements and outcomes with and without adjustment for confounders. Mean (SD) age was 69.3 (2.6) years. CSA, GpS, and GtS were greater among males (p < 0.002). A higher proportion of females had fallen since age 45 (61.3% vs 40.2%, p < 0.001); in the last year (19.9% vs 14.1%, p = 0.053); and reported a previous fracture since age 45 (21.8% vs 18.5%, p = 0.302), than males. Among females, greater CSA was related to reduced risk of falling and fewer falls in the previous year in fully adjusted analysis only (p < 0.05); higher GpS was related to lower risk of falls since age 45 in unadjusted analysis (p = 0.045) and lower risk of fracture since age 45 in both unadjusted and fully adjusted analysis (p < 0.045). No statistically significant associations were observed for GtS among either sex for any relationships between muscle measurements and clinical outcomes studied. We observed relationships between muscle mass and strength but not function with falls and fractures in females only; further longitudinal studies are required to reproduce these results.

T-cells in response to acute cardiorespiratory or resistance exercise in physically active or physically inactive older adults: A randomized crossover study

T-cells often undergo age-related changes, but regular exercise training may offset these age-related changes. However, the majority of literature is derived from cardiorespiratory exercise studies. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute cardiorespiratory exercise and acute resistance exercise on the T-cell response among physically active older adults (PA) compared to physically inactive older adults (PI).

METHODS

Twenty-four healthy older adults (PA n=12; PI n=12; mean ± SD; age (yrs) PA 62 ± 5, PI 64 ± 5; BMI (kg/m²) PA 23.9 ± 3.0, PI 25.6 ± 3.5) completed one bout each of matched intensity cardiorespiratory exercise and resistance exercise in a randomized order. Blood samples drawn pre-exercise, post-exercise, and 1h post-exercise (recovery) were analyzed by flow cytometry for T-cells and T-cell subsets.

RESULTS

Resistance exercise mobilized more T-cell subsets in PI (10 of the measured types, including total T-cells; CD45RA+ CD62L+, CD45RA- CD62L+, CD45RA- CD62L-, and CD45RA+ CD62L- T-cells), whereas cardiorespiratory exercise mobilized more subsets in PA (CD45RA+ CD62L- and CD57+ CD45RA+ CD62L- CD4+ T-cells). Both cardiorespiratory exercise and resistance exercise elicited a significant (p<0.05) mobilization of highly-differentiated (CD45RA+ CD62L-; CD57+ CD45RA+ CD62L-) CD8+ T-cells into the circulation post-exercise in both PA and PI groups. Furthermore, cardiorespiratory exercise resulted in a decrease in the number of circulating Th17 cells post-exercise, while resistance exercise increased Th17 cell mobilization compared to the cardiorespiratory exercise response.

CONCLUSION

There are differences between cardiorespiratory exercise and resistance exercise on the immune responses of T-cells, particularly in PI individuals.

Physical fitness mediates the association between age and cognition in healthy adults

BACKGROUND

Physical fitness is an important contributor to healthy aging that improves cognition. Older adults who engage in cardiorespiratory fitness activities show less cognitive decline.

AIMS

To examine whether physical fitness acts as a potential protective mechanism shielding against the negative associations between age and cognition. Specifically, we examined whether physical fitness mediates the relationship between age and processing speed.

METHODS

114 (M = 63.80, SD = 10.63) senior executives completed a computerized cognitive battery composed of four processing speed tasks. Level of physical fitness was assessed on a treadmill stress test and reported in metabolic equivalents (METs).

RESULTS

Older age was associated with slower processing speed (r = 0.25, p = 0.007), whereas greater physical fitness was associated with faster processing speed (r = -0.30, p = 0.001). Path analysis indicated that the association between age and processing speed was fully mediated by the level of physical fitness (Indirect effect: β = 0.10, p = 0.008; Direct effect: β = 0.16, p = 0.20).

CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION

The findings indicate that physical fitness is a strong mediator of the relationship between age and processing speed and imply that physical fitness makes a major contribution to cognitive reserve during the aging process. The results may suggest that the decrease in physical fitness during aging may partially account for slower cognitive processing.

Biological Rhythm and Chronotype: New Perspectives in Health

The circadian rhythm plays a fundamental role in regulating biological functions, including sleep–wake preference, body temperature, hormonal secretion, food intake, and cognitive and physical performance. Alterations in circadian rhythm can lead to chronic disease and impaired sleep. The circadian rhythmicity in human beings is represented by a complex phenotype. Indeed, over a 24-h period, a person’s preferred time to be more active or to sleep can be expressed in the concept of morningness–eveningness. Three chronotypes are distinguished: Morning, Neither, and Evening-types. Interindividual differences in chronotypes need to be considered to reduce the negative effects of circadian disruptions on health. In the present review, we examine the bi-directional influences of the rest–activity circadian rhythm and sleep–wake cycle in chronic pathologies and disorders. We analyze the concept and the main characteristics of the three chronotypes.

The association between social isolation and musculoskeletal health in older community-dwelling adults: findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

PURPOSE

Social isolation has been associated with both physical and psychological adverse outcomes and is prevalent in older adults. We investigated the impact of social isolation on bone mineral density (BMD) and physical capability in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

Data were collected in 2011 and 2017 from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study. In 2011, we assessed social isolation using the six-item Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) and the Maastricht Social Participation Profile (MSSP) and depressive and anxiety symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Physical capability was assessed by performing tests of gait speed, chair stands, timed up and go and balance at both time points. BMD was assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at both time points.

RESULTS

Data were available from 369 participants in 2011 and 184 in 2017. Forty percent of men and 42.4% of women were socially isolated. Isolated participants had higher odds of depressive disorder (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.27-7.11, p < 0.02). Social isolation at baseline was associated with poor physical capability scores at follow-up (OR 5.53, 95% CI 1.09-27.99, p < 0.04). No associations were found between social isolation and BMD at either time point.

CONCLUSIONS

Social isolation was associated with higher odds of having depressive symptoms and predicted the development of poor physical capability 6 years later. Further longitudinal studies that include loneliness as a covariate are warranted.

Associations of older adults' physical activity and bout-specific sedentary time with frailty status: Compositional analyses from the NEIGE study

AIM

To examine associations of intensity-specific physical activity and bout-specific sedentary time with frailty status among Japanese community-dwelling older adults, taking into account the interrelationships of these behaviors.

METHODS

Participants were 511 community-dwelling older adults. Physical activity and sedentary time were assessed using a tri-axial accelerometer. Frailty status (frail, pre-frail, or robust) was determined, based on the phenotypic model and used established criteria for Japanese older adults. Associations with frailty status of intensity-specific physical activity and bout-specific sedentary behavior (SB) time were examined using compositional data analysis, adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Participants included 13 (2.6%) who were frail, 234 (45.8%) pre-frail, and 264 (51.6%) who were robust. For the frail and pre-frail, the proportion of time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was less than for those who were robust. Frail older adults has larger proportion of time spent in prolonged (≥30 min/bouts) sedentary behavior (SB), and less in short-bout (<30 min/bout) SB, compared to the robust. No statistically-significant differences in the proportion of time spent in light-intensity physical activity was found across frailty levels.

CONCLUSION

Pre-frail and frail older adults spend proportionally less time in MVPA and more time in prolonged SB, compared with those who were robust. These findings need to be confirmed by evidence from larger and more-diverse study samples and by evidence from prospective studies, in order to better understand whether or not avoiding prolonged periods of sitting could be a potential strategy for preventing frailty among community-dwelling older adults.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training and Essential Amino Acid Supplementation for 24 Weeks on Physical Function, Body Composition, and Muscle Metabolism in Healthy, Independent Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Essential amino acids (EAA) and aerobic exercise (AE) acutely and independently stimulate skeletal muscle protein anabolism in older adults.

OBJECTIVE

In this Phase 1, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, we determined if chronic EAA supplementation, AE training, or a combination of the two interventions could improve muscle mass and function by stimulating muscle protein synthesis.

METHODS

We phone-screened 971, enrolled 109, and randomized 50 independent, low-active, nonfrail, and nondiabetic older adults (age 72 ± 1 years). We used a 2 × 2 factorial design. The interventions were: daily nutritional supplementation (15 g EAA or placebo) and physical activity (supervised AE training 3 days/week or monitored habitual activity) for 24 weeks. Muscle strength, physical function, body composition, and muscle protein synthesis were measured before and after the 24-week intervention.

RESULTS

Forty-five subjects completed the 24-week intervention. VO2peak and walking speed increased (p < .05) in both AE groups, irrespective of supplementation type, but muscle strength increased only in the EAA + AE group (p < .05). EAA supplementation acutely increased (p < .05) muscle protein synthesis from basal both before and after the intervention, with a larger increase in the EAA + AE group after the intervention. Total and regional lean body mass did not change significantly with any intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

In nonfrail, independent, healthy older adults AE training increased walking speed and aerobic fitness, and, when combined with EAA supplementation, it also increased muscle strength and EAA-stimulated muscle protein synthesis. These increases occurred without improvements in muscle mass.

Cluster Analysis of Finite Element Analysis and Bone Microarchitectural Parameters Identifies Phenotypes with High Fracture Risk

High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) is increasingly used for exploring associations between bone microarchitectural and finite element analysis (FEA) parameters and fracture. We hypothesised that combining bone microarchitectural parameters, geometry, BMD and FEA estimates of bone strength from HRpQCT may improve discrimination of fragility fractures. The analysis sample comprised of 359 participants (aged 72-81 years) from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study. Fracture history was determined by self-report and vertebral fracture assessment. Participants underwent HRpQCT scans of the distal radius and DXA scans of the proximal femur and lateral spine. Poisson regression with robust variance estimation was used to derive relative risks for the relationship between individual bone microarchitectural and FEA parameters and previous fracture. Cluster analysis of these parameters was then performed to identify phenotypes associated with fracture prevalence. Receiver operating characteristic analysis suggested that bone microarchitectural parameters improved fracture discrimination compared to aBMD alone, whereas further inclusion of FEA parameters resulted in minimal improvements. Cluster analysis (k-means) identified four clusters. The first had lower Young modulus, cortical thickness, cortical volumetric density and Von Mises stresses compared to the wider sample; fracture rates were only significantly greater among women (relative risk [95%CI] compared to lowest risk cluster: 2.55 [1.28, 5.07], p = 0.008). The second cluster in women had greater trabecular separation, lower trabecular volumetric density and lower trabecular load with an increase in fracture rate compared to lowest risk cluster (1.93 [0.98, 3.78], p = 0.057). These findings may help inform intervention strategies for the prevention and management of osteoporosis.

Health Care Costs Associated With Muscle Weakness: A UK Population-Based Estimate

Sarcopenia and muscle weakness are responsible for considerable health care expenditure but little is known about these costs in the UK. To address this, we estimated the excess economic burden for individuals with muscle weakness regarding the provision of health and social care among 442 men and women (aged 71-80 years) who participated in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study (UK). Muscle weakness, characterised by low grip strength, was defined according to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health criteria (men < 26 kg, women < 16 kg). Costs associated with primary care consultations and visits, outpatient and inpatient secondary care, medications, and formal (paid) as well as informal care for each participant were calculated. Mean total costs per person and their corresponding components were compared between groups with and without muscle weakness. Prevalence of muscle weakness in the sample was 11%. Mean total annual costs for participants with muscle weakness were £4592 (CI £2962-£6221), with informal care, inpatient secondary care and primary care accounting for the majority of total costs (38%, 23% and 19%, respectively). For participants without muscle weakness, total annual costs were £1885 (CI £1542-£2228) and their three highest cost categories were informal care (26%), primary care (23%) and formal care (20%). Total excess costs associated with muscle weakness were £2707 per person per year, with informal care costs accounting for 46% of this difference. This results in an estimated annual excess cost in the UK of £2.5 billion.

Factors associated with objectively measured exercise participation after hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Guidelines recommend exercise for secondary prevention of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), however adherence to guidelines is low. A paucity of data examining factors associated with objectively-measured exercise post-discharge in ACS survivors exists. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with exercise during the 5 weeks after ACS discharge.

METHODS

A sample of 151 ACS patients treated at a university hospital were enrolled into an observational cohort study and wore an accelerometer for 35 days post-discharge. Days on which participants accumulated ≥30 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in bouts ≥10 min were considered exercise days. Participants were categorized as non-exercisers (0 exercise days) or exercisers (≥1 exercise day). A multi-variable logistic regression model was used to examine the association between exercise and socio-demographics, depression, SF-12 physical and mental health scores, disease severity, length of hospitalization, and percutaneous coronary intervention.

RESULTS

39.7% of participants were non-exercisers. Factors associated with non-exercise were age (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.06-1.17, p < 0.001), female sex (OR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.10-6.95, p = 0.031), and lower SF-12 physical health score (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90-0.98, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

In ACS patients in whom exercise participation was objectively measured for 5 weeks post-discharge, demographic and poor physical health factors were associated with non-exercise. These findings identify populations (e.g. older adults, women) at especially high risk for being physically inactive in whom more intense intervention may be warranted.

Functional status measures for the COPD patient: A practical categorization

The objective of this study is to review available functional status measures (FSMs) validated for use in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) population and categorizing the measures by their commonalities to formulate a framework that supports clinicians in the selection and application of FSMs. A literature review identifying valid and reliable measures of functional status for people with COPD was undertaken. Measures were thematically analyzed and categorized to develop a framework for clinical application. A variety of measures of activity levels exist, with 35 included in this review. Thematic categorization identified five categories of measures: daily activity, impact, surrogate, performance-based, and disability-based measures. The vast variety of FSMs available for clinicians to apply with people who have COPD may be overwhelming, and selection must be thoughtfully based on the nature of the population being studied/evaluated, and aims of evaluation being conducted, not simply as a standard measure used at the institution. Psychometric testing is a critical feature to a strong instrument and issues of reliability, validity, and responsiveness need to be understood prior to measurement use. Contextual nature of measures such as language used and activities measured is also important. A categorical framework to support clinicians in the selection and application of FSMs has been presented in this article.

Diet Quality and Bone Measurements Using HRpQCT and pQCT in Older Community-Dwelling Adults from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

There are few data describing associations between dietary patterns and bone microarchitecture. This study investigated the relationship between diet quality and HRpQCT and pQCT measures in older adults. Data were available for 184 men and 166 women. Dietary data were collected at baseline (1998-2003) using an administered food frequency questionnaire. A 'prudent' diet score (PDS) was identified using principal component analysis and used as an indicator of dietary quality. HRpQCT and pQCT images were acquired at follow-up in 2012, from the non-dominant distal radius and tibia using Scanco XtremeCT and Stratec XCT2000 instrument scanners, respectively. The mean (SD) PDS was - 0.24 (1.23) for men and 0.62 (1.14) for women. In women, a significant positive relationship was found between baseline dietary pattern and total and trabecular area at both the radius and the tibia, measured by HRpQCT. Similar trends were observed with pQCT parameters. Positive associations were observed for tibia total area (38% slice). At the radius, significant positive associations were found for total area (4% slice) and polar strength strain index (33% slice). All relationships remained robust to adjustment. For men, although patterns were similar, there were no significant associations for HRpQCT outcomes. Significant associations were observed for baseline PDS and polar strength strain and total area (66% slice) at the radius, measured by pQCT. Our data suggest that diets high in fruit, vegetables, oily fish and whole grain cereals in early old age are associated with greater bone size but not volumetric bone density or microarchitecture in later life in women.

Relationships between markers of inflammation and bone density: findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

Among 365 Hertfordshire Cohort Study participants (aged 59-71 years at baseline), higher adiponectin and adiponectin to leptin ratios were associated with lower baseline lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD). Lower IL-10 was associated with accelerated decline in lumbar spine BMD. This suggests that bone health can be influenced by changes in immune phenotype and alterations in adipokine homeostasis.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to examine the association between indices of inflammation and BMD in a population-based cohort of older adults in the UK.

METHODS

Analyses were based on a sample of 194 men and 171 women of the Hertfordshire Cohort Study (community-living, older adults). Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed at the lumbar spine and proximal femur at baseline and repeated at a median of 4.5 years (inter-quartile range 3.6 to 5.2). Inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, adiponectin and leptin) were ascertained at baseline using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques and Bio-Plex Pro Assays. Gender-adjusted linear regression was used to examine the associations between markers of inflammation and outcomes with and without adjustment for anthropometric and lifestyle factors.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) ages at baseline were 64.4 (2.5) and 66.5 (2.7) years for men and women respectively. Higher levels of adiponectin and adiponectin to leptin ratios were each associated with lower baseline lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD in gender-adjusted (p < 0.01) and fully adjusted (p < 0.05) analyses. Lower levels of IL-10 and TNF were each associated with accelerated decline in lumbar spine BMD in both gender-adjusted (p ≤ 0.05) and fully adjusted (p < 0.05) analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of older adults, high levels of adiponectin and adiponectin to leptin ratios were both associated with lower BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck at baseline, and lower IL-10 was associated with accelerated decline in BMD at the lumbar spine. This adds weight to the theory that bone health can be influenced by changes in immune phenotype and alterations in adipokine homeostasis.

Early-life predictors of future multi-morbidity: results from the Hertfordshire Cohort

Background

multi-morbidity is an increasing challenge in western medicine and has the potential to impact patients' quality of life, treatment options and compliance with medications. The aim of this study was to identify the early-life predictors of long-term multi-morbidity in an historical cohort, the Hertfordshire Cohort Study (HCS).

Methods

perinatal and infant health records were kept on all children born in Hertfordshire between 1931 and 1939. Participants who were still alive in 1998 were recruited to the HCS and data collected on major chronic diseases. They were subsequently followed up in the Clinical Outcomes Study (COS), and data recorded on all major illnesses since HCS, as well as current medications. Ordinal logistic regression analysed the association between early-life factors and the number of morbidities in these two surveys as well as medication count.

Results

a total of 2299 participants had data in COS, 1131 (49%) were female, median age (interquartile range) at recruitment to HCS was 66 (64-68) years. Higher rates of childhood illnesses were significantly associated with future multi-morbidity (multivariate odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) 1.15 (1.06, 1.25)) and higher medication counts at COS (multivariate OR (95%CI) 1.14 (1.06, 1.23)).

Conclusions

children who experience more illnesses at a young age may be prone to develop multi-morbidity in later life.

Relationships Between Markers of Inflammation and Muscle Mass, Strength and Function: Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

We investigated the longitudinal relationships between inflammation markers and the following outcomes in a UK cohort study: appendicular lean mass (ALM); walking speed; level and change in grip strength; and sarcopenia defined by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Analyses were based on 336 community-dwelling older men and women (aged 59-70 years) who participated in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study (HCS). Inflammation markers were ascertained at baseline using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques and Bio-Plex Pro Assays. Grip strength was measured at baseline and follow-up [median follow-up time: 10.8 years (inter-quartile range 10.2-11.6)] and change in grip strength was ascertained using a residual change approach. At follow-up, ALM was ascertained using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, customary walking speed was measured and sarcopenia status was ascertained. Gender-adjusted linear and Poisson regression was used to examine the associations between inflammation markers and outcomes with and without adjustment for anthropometric and lifestyle factors. Higher C-reactive protein was associated (p < 0.04) with lower grip strength and accelerated decline in grip strength from baseline to follow-up. Higher cortisol was associated with lower ALM (p < 0.05). Higher interleukin-8 (IL-8) was associated with lower ALM (p < 0.05) and increased risk of sarcopenia [fully-adjusted relative risk per SD increase in IL-8: 1.37 (95% CI 1.10, 1.71), p = 0.005]. All associations were robust in fully-adjusted analyses. Inflammation markers were associated with measures of muscle mass, strength and function in HCS. Further work is required to replicate these associations and to delineate the underlying mechanisms.

A patient-centred study of the consequences of stroke

Objective: To explore subjective accounts of the consequences of stroke.

Design: Qualitative methods using depth interviews.

Participants and setting: Forty people sampled ten months post stroke from a hospital stroke register which was established in two adjacent health districts in North Thames Regional Health Authority.

Results: Interviewees reported a number of ways in which the stroke had affected their daily lives, including difficulty with leaving the house, doing the housework, pursuing former leisure activities, inability to walk in the way they wanted, problems with communicating, washing, bathing and dressing, and with confusion and deteriorating memory. In all these areas people described the loss of social contact that accompanied these changes, and the loss of valued roles which had been embedded in the everyday functions they had previously performed. In general, people over the age of 70 were more seriously affected.

Conclusion: The type of changes which people reported would not easily have been captured using standardized outcome measures, pointing to the value of qualitative methods in providing subjective accounts. In terms of clinical practice, there is a need to reduce people's isolation after stroke by providing home visits after discharge, particularly to those living alone, and also by reducing disability through rehabilitation and by tackling the environmental obstacles which can imprison people in their homes. The findings suggest that many people with stroke would benefit from being able to talk about the changes which have occurred. Imaginative proposals are needed to develop ways to help replace the loss of activities, social contacts and social roles, particularly among older people with stroke.

Cluster analysis of bone microarchitecture from high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography demonstrates two separate phenotypes associated with high fracture risk in men and women

Osteoporosis is a major healthcare problem which is conventionally assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). New technologies such as high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) also predict fracture risk. HRpQCT measures a number of bone characteristics that may inform specific patterns of bone deficits. We used cluster analysis to define different bone phenotypes and their relationships to fracture prevalence and areal bone mineral density (BMD). 177 men and 159 women, in whom fracture history was determined by self-report and vertebral fracture assessment, underwent HRpQCT of the distal radius and femoral neck DXA. Five clusters were derived with two clusters associated with elevated fracture risk. "Cluster 1" contained 26 women (50.0% fractured) and 30 men (50.0% fractured) with a lower mean cortical thickness and cortical volumetric BMD, and in men only, a mean total and trabecular area more than the sex-specific cohort mean. "Cluster 2" contained 20 women (50.0% fractured) and 14 men (35.7% fractured) with a lower mean trabecular density and trabecular number than the sex-specific cohort mean. Logistic regression showed fracture rates in these clusters to be significantly higher than the lowest fracture risk cluster [5] (p<0.05). Mean femoral neck areal BMD was significantly lower than cluster 5 in women in cluster 1 and 2 (p<0.001 for both), and in men, in cluster 2 (p<0.001) but not 1 (p=0.220). In conclusion, this study demonstrates two distinct high risk clusters in both men and women which may differ in etiology and response to treatment. As cluster 1 in men does not have low areal BMD, these men may not be identified as high risk by conventional DXA alone.

Heavy manual work throughout the working lifetime and muscle strength among men at retirement age

INTRODUCTION

Reductions in heavy manual work as a consequence of mechanisation might adversely impact muscle strength at older ages. We investigated the association between grip strength at retirement age and lifetime occupational exposure to physically demanding activities. Grip strength is an important predictor of long-term health and physical function in older people.

METHODS

Grip strength (maximum of three readings in each hand) was measured in men from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study at a single examination when their mean age was 65.8 (SD 2.9) years. Associations with lifetime occupational exposure (ascertained by questionnaire) to three activities (standing/walking ≥ 4 h/day; lifting ≥ 25 kg; and energetic work sufficient to induce sweating) were assessed by multivariable linear regression with adjustment for various potential confounders.

RESULTS

Complete data were available from 1418 men who had worked for at least 20 years. After adjustment for age, height and weight, those with longer exposures to walking/standing and heavy lifting had lower grip strength, but the relationship disappeared after further adjustment for confounders. Working at physical intensity sufficient to induce sweating was not significantly associated with grip strength.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence that physically demanding occupational activities increase hand grip strength at normal retirement age. Any advantages of regular physical occupational activity may have been obscured by unmeasured socioeconomic confounders.

Accumulation of risk factors associated with poor bone health in older adults

Clustering of factors linked with poor bone health is common in older adults and is associated with lower bone density and increased fracture risk in women.

PURPOSE

Many factors are associated with bone mineral density, which in turn is strongly linked with risk of fragility fracture. We assessed how commonly clustering of risk factors occurs and related such clustering to bone mineral density in a population of older community-dwelling men and women.

METHOD

This is a cross-sectional study with 498 men and 498 women aged 59 to 72 years, who were participants in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, in whom incident fracture was recorded. Physical activity, diet quality, history of prior fracture, family history of fracture, cigarette and alcohol consumption and comorbidities were obtained through baseline questionnaire. Measurements of grip strength and bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and total femur were also taken.

RESULTS

Clustering of risk factors was common, with over 30% having two or more. In women, a graded association between the number of risk factors and low bone density was seen, and strong relationships were also seen between the number of risk factors and incident fracture; women with three or more risk factors had an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of incident fracture of 5.98 (1.67, 21.43; p = 0.006) compared to women with no risk factors; women with two risk factors had an adjusted HR of 2.97 (1.14, 7.74; p = 0.03) and those with one, 2.28 (0.90, 5.75; p = 0.08).

CONCLUSION

Clustering of risk factors for poor bone health is common in community-dwelling older adults and is associated with increased risk of fracture and adverse bone health in women.

Lean mass and fat mass have differing associations with bone microarchitecture assessed by high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography in men and women from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

Understanding the effects of muscle and fat on bone is increasingly important in the optimisation of bone health. We explored relationships between bone microarchitecture and body composition in older men and women from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study. 175 men and 167 women aged 72-81 years were studied. High resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) images (voxel size 82 μm) were acquired from the non-dominant distal radius and tibia with a Scanco XtremeCT scanner. Standard morphological analysis was performed for assessment of macrostructure, densitometry, cortical porosity and trabecular microarchitecture. Body composition was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (Lunar Prodigy Advanced). Lean mass index (LMI) was calculated as lean mass divided by height squared and fat mass index (FMI) as fat mass divided by height squared. The mean (standard deviation) age in men and women was 76 (3) years. In univariate analyses, tibial cortical area (p<0.01), cortical thickness (p<0.05) and trabecular number (p<0.01) were positively associated with LMI and FMI in both men and women. After mutual adjustment, relationships between cortical area and thickness were only maintained with LMI [tibial cortical area, β (95% confidence interval (CI)): men 6.99 (3.97,10.01), women 3.59 (1.81,5.38)] whereas trabecular number and density were associated with FMI. Interactions by sex were found, including for the relationships of LMI with cortical area and FMI with trabecular area in both the radius and tibia (p<0.05). In conclusion, LMI and FMI appeared to show independent relationships with bone microarchitecture. Further studies are required to confirm the direction of causality and explore the mechanisms underlying these tissue-specific associations.

Understanding poor health behaviours as predictors of different types of hospital admission in older people: findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Rates of hospital admission are increasing, particularly among older people. Poor health behaviours cluster but their combined impact on risk of hospital admission among older people in the UK is unknown.

METHODS

2997 community-dwelling men and women (aged 59-73) participated in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study (HCS). We scored (from 0 to 4) number of poor health behaviours engaged in at baseline (1998-2004) out of: current smoking, high weekly alcohol, low customary physical activity and poor diet. We linked HCS with Hospital Episode Statistics and mortality data to 31/03/2010 and analysed associations between the score and risk of different types of hospital admission: any; elective; emergency; long stay (>7 days); 30-day readmission (any, or emergency).

RESULTS

32%, 40%, 20% and 7% of men engaged in 0, 1, 2 and 3/4 poor health behaviours; corresponding percentages for women 51%, 38%, 9%, 2%. 75% of men (69% women) experienced at least one hospital admission. Among men and women, increased number of poor health behaviours was strongly associated (p<0.01) with greater risk of long stay and emergency admissions, and 30-day emergency readmissions. Hazard ratios (HRs) for emergency admission for 3/4 poor health behaviours in comparison with none were: men, 1.37 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.69); women, 1.84 (95% CI 1.22 to 2.77). Associations were unaltered by adjustment for age, body mass index and comorbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Clustered poor health behaviours are associated with increased risk of hospital admission among older people in the UK. Lifecourse interventions to reduce number of poor health behaviours could have substantial beneficial impact on health and use of healthcare in later life.

Relationships between bone geometry, volumetric bone mineral density and bone microarchitecture of the distal radius and tibia with alcohol consumption

PURPOSE

Chronic heavy alcohol consumption is associated with bone density loss and increased fracture risk, while low levels of alcohol consumption have been reported as beneficial in some studies. However, studies relating alcohol consumption to bone geometry, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone microarchitecture, as assessed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), are lacking.

METHODS

Here we report an analysis from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, in which we studied associations between HR-pQCT measures at the distal radius and tibia and alcohol consumption in 376 participants (198 men and 178 women) aged 72.1-81.4 years.

RESULTS

A total of 30 (15.2%), 90 (45.5%) and 78 (39.4%) men drank minimal/none (<1 unit/week), low (≥1 unit/week and <11 units/week) and moderate/high (≥11 units/week) amounts of alcohol respectively. These figures were 74 (41.8%), 80 (45.2%) and 23 (13.0%) respectively in women for minimal/none (<1 unit/week), low (≥1 unit/week and <8 units/week) and moderate/high (≥8 units/week). At the distal radius, after adjustment for confounding factors (age, BMI, smoking status, dietary calcium intake, physical activity and socioeconomic status and years since menopause and HRT use for women), men that drank low alcohol had lower cortical thickness (p=0.038), cortical vBMD (p=0.033), and trabecular vBMD (p=0.028) and higher trabecular separation (p=0.043) than those that drank none/minimal alcohol. Similar differences were shown between minimal/none and moderate/high alcohol although these only reached statistical significance for the cortical parameters. Interestingly, after similar adjustment, women showed similar differences in the trabecular compartment between none/minimal alcohol and low alcohol at the distal tibia. However, women that drank moderate/high alcohol had significantly higher trabecular vBMD (p=0.007), trabecular thickness (p=0.026), and trabecular number (p=0.042) and higher trabecular separation (p=0.026) at the distal radius than those that drank low alcohol.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that alcohol consumption (low and moderate/high) may have a detrimental impact on bone health in men in both the cortical and trabecular compartments at the distal radius with similar results in women in the trabecular compartment between none/minimal alcohol and low alcohol at the distal tibia suggesting that avoidance of alcohol may be beneficial for bone health.

Validation of a Computerized Use of Time Recall for Activity Measurement in Advanced-Age Adults

Background:

The Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (MARCA) is a computerized recall instrument that records use of time during 24 hr the previous day and has been developed to address limitations of current self-report physical activity measures for those in advanced age.

Methods:

Test–retest reliability and convergent validity of the adult MARCA were assessed in a sample of 45 advanced-age adults (age 84.9SD ±1.62 yr) as a subsample of the Life and Living in Advanced-Age Cohort Study New Zealand (LiLACS NZ). Test–retest methods required participants to recall the previous day’s activity using the MARCA twice within the same day. Convergent validity was assessed against accelerometry.

Results:

Test–retest reliability was high, with ICCs greater than .99 for moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and physical activity level (PAL). Compared with accelerometry, the MARCA demonstrated validity comparable to other self-report instruments with Spearman’s coefficients of .34 and .59 for time spent in nonsedentary physical activity and PAL.

Conclusion:

The MARCA is a valid and reliable self-report tool for physical activity behaviors in advanced-age adults.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity is related to glucose tolerance in older people: the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Dietary antioxidants may play a protective role in the aetiology of type 2 diabetes. However, observational studies that examine the relationship between the antioxidant capacity of the diet and glucose metabolism are limited, particularly in older people. We aimed to examine the relationships between dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and markers of glucose metabolism among 1441 men and 1253 women aged 59-73 years who participated in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, UK.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Diet was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. Dietary TAC was estimated using published databases of TAC measured by four different assays: oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). Fasting and 120-min plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured during a standard 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. In men, dietary TAC estimated by all four assays was inversely associated with fasting insulin concentration and homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); with the exception of ORAC, dietary TAC was also inversely related to 120-min glucose concentration. There were no associations with fasting glucose or 120-min insulin concentrations. In women, with the exception of the association between ORAC and 120-min insulin concentration, dietary TAC estimated by all assays showed consistent inverse associations with fasting and 120-min glucose and insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR. These associations were more marked among women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest dietary TAC may have important protective effects on glucose tolerance, especially in older obese women.

Physical activity of elderly people

The aging is attended with changes in different physiological systems and body organ. This is the cause of worsening of movement activity for old adults. The review of age-related changes, their impact on human body functioning and development of activities strategies for seniors’ health preservation was the aim of the paper. The scientific literature review showed that the decreasing of functional possibilities is the cause of working capacity and social activity limitations. Physical activity is one of the methods for improving of fitness. It was proposed to choose physical exercises according to biological age of elderly person, their aging profile, the presence of disease and physical activity level. Optimal intensity and character of exercise were established for the old adults with and without chronic pathological disease. The feeling of well-being or heart rate indexes can be used for control by physical training.

Muscle size, strength, and physical performance and their associations with bone structure in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

Sarcopenia is associated with a greater fracture risk. This relationship was originally thought to be explained by an increased risk of falls in sarcopenic individuals. However, in addition, there is growing evidence of a functional muscle-bone unit in which bone health may be directly influenced by muscle function. Because a definition of sarcopenia encompasses muscle size, strength, and physical performance, we investigated relationships for each of these with bone size, bone density, and bone strength to interrogate these hypotheses further in participants from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study. A total of 313 men and 318 women underwent baseline assessment of health and detailed anthropometric measurements. Muscle strength was measured by grip strength, and physical performance was determined by gait speed. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) examination of the calf and forearm was performed to assess muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) at the 66% level and bone structure (radius 4% and 66% levels; tibia 4% and 38% levels). Muscle size was positively associated with bone size (distal radius total bone area β = 17.5 mm2 /SD [12.0, 22.9]) and strength (strength strain index (β = 23.3 mm3 /SD [18.2, 28.4]) amongst women (p < 0.001). These associations were also seen in men and were maintained after adjustment for age, height, weight-adjusted-for-height, limb-length-adjusted-for-height, social class, smoking status, alcohol consumption, calcium intake, physical activity, diabetes mellitus, and in women, years since menopause and estrogen replacement therapy. Although grip strength showed similar associations with bone size and strength in both sexes, these were substantially attenuated after similar adjustment. Consistent relationships between gait speed and bone structure were not seen. We conclude that although muscle size and grip strength are associated with bone size and strength, relationships between gait speed and bone structure and strength were not apparent in this cohort, supporting a role for the muscle-bone unit.

Anorexia of aging and gut hormones

We are expected to live longer than if we had been born 100 years ago however, the additional years are not necessarily spent in good health or free from disability. Body composition changes dramatically over the course of life. There is a gradual increase in body weight throughout adult life until the age of about 60-65 years. In contrast, body weight appears to decrease with age after the age of 65-75 years, even in those demonstrating a previous healthy body weight. This age related decrease in body weight, often called unintentional weight loss or involuntary weight loss can be a significant problem for the elderly. This has been shown to be related to decline in appetite and food intake is common amongst the elderly and is often referred to the anorexia of aging. Underlying mechanisms regulate energy homeostasis and appetite may change as people age. In this review, peripheral factors regulating appetite have been summarized in regards to their age-dependent changes and role in the etiology of anorexia of aging. Understanding the alterations in the mechanisms regulating appetite and food intake in conjunction with aging may help inform strategies that promote healthy aging and promote health and wellbeing in the elderly years, with the end goal to add life to the years and not just years to our lives.

Clustering of lifestyle risk factors and poor physical function in older adults: the Hertfordshire cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To examine the relationship between number of lifestyle risk factors (out of low physical activity, poor diet, obesity, smoking) and physical function in older community-dwelling men and women.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.

PARTICIPANTS

Men (n = 1,682) and women (n = 1,540) aged 59 to 73.

MEASUREMENTS

Physical activity was assessed using an administered questionnaire with a score from 0 to 100; low activity was defined as a score of 50 or less. Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire; diet quality was assessed according to a score for a principal component analysis-defined "healthy" dietary pattern. Poor diet was categorized as a dietary pattern score in the lowest quarter of the distribution. Obesity was defined as a body mass index of 30.0 kg/m(2) or more. Physical function was assessed according to self-report (SF-36); poor function was defined as a score in lowest quarter of the distribution. A subgroup of participants had objective assessments of physical function (Timed Up-and-Go Test, timed 3-m walk, chair rises, one-legged standing balance).

RESULTS

There was a graded increase in prevalence of poor self-reported physical function in men and women with increasing number of risk factors (men, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for 3 or 4 risk factors vs none = 3.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.31-6.21; women, AOR = 5.37, 95% CI = 2.66-10.84). With the exception of balance, the objective assessments also showed graded relationships with number of risk factors, such that more risk factors was associated with poorer physical function.

CONCLUSION

These modifiable lifestyle risk factors are linked to marked differences in risk of poorer physical function in older adults. Efforts to encourage healthy lifestyles have the potential to improve physical function and to promote healthier ageing.

Measuring Physical Activity in Older Adults with and without Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease

We compared subjective reports of physical activity with objective measures of physical fitness including cardiorespiratory capacity, body composition, and physical performance in 146 older adults with and without early stage Alzheimer's disease (ESAD). Respondents reported primarily unstructured and low-intensity activities, including walking and housework. Individuals with ESAD participated in fewer and lower intensity physical activities than those without ESAD. In those without ESAD, housework was related to lower body mass index, leisure walking was related to faster speed on a timed walking test, and participation in sports was related to higher peak oxygen intake. In individuals with ESAD, reported physical activities did not predict any of the physical fitness, body composition, or physical performance measures. We conclude that measures of physical activity require expansion of unstructured and low intensity activities to improve sensitivity in sedentary populations, especially in older adults with ESAD.

Housework reduces all-cause and cancer mortality in Chinese men

Background

Leisure time physical activity has been extensively studied. However, the health benefits of non-leisure time physical activity, particular those undertaken at home on all-cause and cancer mortality are limited, particularly among the elderly.

Methods

We studied physical activity in relation to all-cause and cancer mortality in a cohort of 4,000 community-dwelling elderly aged 65 and older. Leisure time physical activity (sport/recreational activity and lawn work/yard care/gardening) and non-leisure time physical activity (housework, home repairs and caring for another person) were self-reported on the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Subjects with heart diseases, stroke, cancer or diabetes at baseline were excluded (n = 1,133).

Results

Among the 2,867 subjects with a mean age of 72 years at baseline, 452 died from all-cause and 185 died from cancer during the follow-up period (2001–2012). With the adjustment for age, education level and lifestyle factors, we found an inverse association between risk of all-cause mortality and heavy housework among men, with the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.72 (95%CI = 0.57–0.92). Further adjustment for BMI, frailty index, living arrangement, and leisure time activity did not change the result (HR = 0.71, 95%CI = 0.56–0.91). Among women, however, heavy housework was not associated with all-cause mortality. The risk of cancer mortality was significantly lower among men who participated in heavy housework (HR = 0.52, 95%CI = 0.35–0.78), whereas among women the risk was not significant. Men participated in light housework also were at lower risk of cancer mortality than were their counterparts, however, the association was not significant. Leisure time physical activity was not related to all-cause or cancer mortality in either men or women.

Conclusion

Heavy housework is associated with reduced mortality and cancer deaths over a 9-year period. The underlying mechanism needs further study.

Clinical risk factors, bone density and fall history in the prediction of incident fracture among men and women

The FRAX(tr) algorithm uses clinical risk factors (CRF) and bone mineral density (BMD) to predict fracture risk but does not include falls history in the calculation. Using results from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, we examined the relative contributions of CRFs, BMD and falls history to fracture prediction. We studied 2299 participants at a baseline clinic that included completion of a health questionnaire and anthropometric data. A mean of 5.5years later (range 2.9-8.8years) subjects completed a postal questionnaire detailing fall and fracture history. In a subset of 368 men and 407 women, bone densitometry was performed using a Hologic QDR 4500 instrument. There was a significantly increased risk of fracture in men and women with a previous fracture. A one standard deviation drop in femoral neck BMD was associated with a hazards ratio (HR) of incident fracture (adjusted for CRFs) of 1.92 (1.04-3.54) and 1.77 (1.16-2.71) in men and women respectively. A history of any fall since the age of 45years resulted in an unadjusted HR of fracture of 7.31 (3.78-14.14) and 8.56 (4.85-15.13) in men and women respectively. In a ROC curve analysis, the predictive capacity progressively increased as BMD and previous falls were added into an initial model using CRFs alone. Falls history is a further independent risk factor for fracture. Falls risk should be taken into consideration when assessing whether or not to commence medication for osteoporosis and should also alert the physician to the opportunity to target falls risk directly.

Symptoms of anxiety or depression and risk of fracture in older people: the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

The aim of this study was to examine the prospective association between symptoms of anxiety and depression and risk of fracture in older people. Results showed that men, but not women, with probable anxiety at baseline had an increased risk of fracture.

INTRODUCTION

The use of psychotropic drugs has been linked with an increased risk of fracture in older people, but there are indications that the conditions for which these drugs were prescribed may themselves influence fracture risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between symptoms of anxiety and depression and risk of fracture in older people. The study design is a prospective cohort study.

METHODS

One thousand eighty-seven men and 1,050 women aged 59-73 years completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data on incident fracture during an average follow-up period of 5.6 years were collected through interview and a postal questionnaire.

RESULTS

Compared to men with no or few symptoms of anxiety (score ≤7 on the HADS anxiety subscale), men with probable anxiety (score ≥11) had an increased risk of fracture: After adjustment for age and potential confounding factors, the odds ratio (OR) (95 % confidence interval) was 4.03 (1.55, 10.5). There were no associations between levels of anxiety and fracture risk in women. Few men or women had probable depression at baseline (score ≥11 on the HADS depression subscale). Amongst men with possible depression (score 8-10), there was an increased risk of fracture that was of borderline significance: multivariate-adjusted OR 3.57 (0.99, 12.9). There was no association between possible depression and fracture risk in women.

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of anxiety in older men may increase their risk of fracture. Future research needs to replicate this finding in other populations and investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Successful aging: how does physical activity influence engagement with life?

With the increasing number of individuals over the age of 65 years worldwide, it is critical for society to recognize the importance of helping seniors maintain their health, physical, and cognitive functioning as well as their engagement with life. These three dimensions provide the foundation for successful aging (SA). The positive role of engagement with life has been understated to date in the literature. This review highlights the components of SA with particular emphasis on engagement and how physical activity positively impacts engagement which in turn positively influences health and physical function.

Patient-reported physical activity questionnaires: a systematic review of content and format

Background

Many patients with chronic illness are limited in their physical activities. This systematic review evaluates the content and format of patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires that measure physical activity in elderly and chronically ill populations.

Methods

Questionnaires were identified by a systematic literature search of electronic databases (Medline, Embase, PsychINFO & CINAHL), hand searches (reference sections and PROQOLID database) and expert input. A qualitative analysis was conducted to assess the content and format of the questionnaires and a Venn diagram was produced to illustrate this. Each stage of the review process was conducted by at least two independent reviewers.

Results

104 questionnaires fulfilled our criteria. From these, 182 physical activity domains and 1965 items were extracted. Initial qualitative analysis of the domains found 11 categories. Further synthesis of the domains found 4 broad categories: 'physical activity related to general activities and mobility', 'physical activity related to activities of daily living', 'physical activity related to work, social or leisure time activities', and '(disease-specific) symptoms related to physical activity'. The Venn diagram showed that no questionnaires covered all 4 categories and that the '(disease-specific) symptoms related to physical activity' category was often not combined with the other categories.

Conclusions

A large number of questionnaires with a broad range of physical activity content were identified. Although the content could be broadly organised, there was no consensus on the content and format of physical activity PRO questionnaires in elderly and chronically ill populations. Nevertheless, this systematic review will help investigators to select a physical activity PRO questionnaire that best serves their research question and context.

Social inequalities in osteoporosis and fracture among community-dwelling older men and women: findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

It is unknown whether osteoporosis is socially patterned. Using data from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study we found no consistent evidence for social inequalities in prevalent or incident fracture, bone mineral density or loss rates, or bone strength. Public health strategies for prevention of osteoporosis should focus on the whole population.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture are major public health issues for society; the burden for the affected individual is also high. It is unclear whether osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture are socially patterned.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to analyse social inequalities in osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture among the 3,225 community-dwelling men and women, aged 59-73 years, who participated in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study (HCS), UK.

METHODS

A panel of markers of bone health (fracture since 45 years of age; DXA bone mineral density and loss rate at the total femur; pQCT strength strain indices for the radius and tibia; and incident fracture) were analysed in relation to the social circumstances of the HCS participants (characterised at the individual level by: age left full time education; current social class; housing tenure and car availability).

RESULTS

We found little strong or consistent evidence among men, or women, for social inequalities in prevalent or incident fracture, DXA bone mineral density, bone loss rates, or pQCT bone strength, with or without adjustment for age, anthropometry, lifestyle and clinical characteristics. Reduced car availability at baseline was associated with lower pQCT radius and tibia strength strain indices at follow-up among men only (p = 0.02 radius and p < 0.01 tibia unadjusted; p = 0.05 radius and p = 0.01 tibia, adjusted for age, anthropometry, lifestyle and clinical characteristics).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that fracture and osteoporosis do not have a strong direct social gradient and that public health strategies for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis should continue to focus on the whole population.

A comprehensive systematic review of the development process of 104 patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for physical activity in chronically ill and elderly people

BACKGROUND

Capturing dimensions of physical activity relevant to patients may provide a unique perspective for clinical studies of chronically ill patients. However, the quality of the development of existing instruments is uncertain. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the development process of patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments including their initial validation to measure physical activity in chronically ill or elderly patient populations.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search of electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Psychinfo, Cinahl) and hand searches. We included studies describing the original development of fully structured instruments measuring dimensions of physical activity or related constructs in chronically ills or elderly. We broadened the population to elderly because they are likely to share physical activity limitations. At least two reviewers independently conducted title and abstract screening and full text assessment. We evaluated instruments in terms of their aim, items identification and selection, domain development, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, validity and responsiveness.

RESULTS

Of the 2542 references from the database search and 89 from the hand search, 103 full texts which covered 104 instruments met our inclusion criteria. For almost half of the instruments the authors clearly described the aim of the instruments before the scales were developed. For item identification, patient input was used in 38% of the instruments and in 32% adaptation of existing scales and/or unsystematic literature searches were the only sources for the generation of items. For item reduction, in 56% of the instruments patient input was used and in 33% the item reduction process was not clearly described. Test-retest reliability was assessed for 61%, validity for 85% and responsiveness to change for 19% of the instruments.

CONCLUSIONS

Many PRO instruments exist to measure dimensions of physical activity in chronically ill and elderly patient populations, which reflects the relevance of this outcome. However, the development processes often lacked definitions of the instruments' aims and patient input. If PROs for physical activity were to be used in clinical trials more attention needs to be paid to the establishment of content validity through patient input and to the assessment of their evaluative measurement properties.

Filipino older adults' beliefs about exercise activity

PURPOSE

This study explored how the older traditional Filipino adults 65 years old and above living in Honolulu, Hawaii, describe their beliefs regarding exercise activity. The location of this research setting is unique because a blending of traditional Filipino culture exists within an acculturated social setting. The Filipino older adults who have relocated to this U.S. location may have also stayed close to their own cultural traditions.

METHODOLOGIES

A perception of exercise activity was generated through the lens of 47 participants using qualitative methodology.

FINDINGS

While focusing on the older adults' beliefs about exercise activity, it became evident that exercise may have been seen as a proxy measure of physical activity. The study revealed four main domains: balancing barriers against benefits; engaging capabilities; intervening factors; and defining exercise. The data suggest that the four themes are juxtaposed among each other, with overarching social obligations to the kin group governing the older adults' engagement in what constitutes structured exercise by Western definition.

IMPLICATIONS

Further investigation is needed to conceptualize what types of physical activities traditional Filipino elders perceive as exercise, and whether these activities fall into the Western definition of exercise.