216 The relationship between anxiety and physical functional decline in older Irish adults: analysis of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing

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Abstract Background Research has shown the prevalence of anxiety in the older adult population and its significant impact on physical health. The Irish population is ageing and will have an increasing proportion of the population experiencing physical functional decline. Both anxiety and physical functional decline are associated with reduced quality of life and increased healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to explore if there is an association between anxiety and physical functional decline in older Irish adults. Methods This study used data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). The sample cohort were derived from those who had completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) and who reported having difficulty with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) at Wave 1. This cohort were analysed at Wave 2 for a possible association between anxiety, as measured by the HADS-A and physical functional decline, as measured by an ADL self-reporting questionnaire and a Timed Up and Go (TUG). Results The sample cohort consisted of 535 participants. The result of the logistic regression found that the odds of continuing to report an ADL difficulty at Wave 2 are 1.78 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.15, 2.76) times higher for those with anxiety compared to those without and is statistically significant at p = 0.029. The result of the logistic regression analysis found that those with anxiety are more likely to have a longer TUG time (12.4 sec) than those without (11.19 sec) and the result is statistically significant (p = 0.023). Conclusion Anxiety is a mental health condition that has a significant impact on physical health. This study has established that there is an association between anxiety and physical functional decline in the older adult population in Ireland. Further research is needed to establish the nature and directionality of the relationship.