Abstract
Emerging studies have suggested an association between grip strength and health-related quality of life (QOL). However, evidence for which specific domains of QOL are associated with grip strength remains limited and inconsistent. Particularly, such evidence is scarce in the oldest old, who constitute one of the most vulnerable populations. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between grip strength and overall QOL as well as specific domains in the oldest old. It included 400 community-dwelling older adults aged 80 years or older from Shanghai, China. QOL was assessed using the WHO Quality of Life of Older Adults instrument, and grip strength was measured using a digital spring-type dynamometer. On average, the overall QOL score was 54.68 (SD = 12.05). Estimates of risk-adjusted linear regressions indicated that higher grip strength was associated with better overall QOL (β = 4.40, p < 0.001) as well as the domains of autonomy (β = 6.74, p < 0.001); fulfillment with past, present, and future activities and achievements (β = 3.52, p = 0.004); and satisfaction with social participation (β = 6.72, p < 0.001). Our findings highlight the importance of maintaining or improving grip strength in delaying or reducing the decline in QOL among the community-dwelling oldest old. Also noteworthy is that the associations between grip strength and specific domains of QOL in the oldest old vary.
Highlights
The oldest old, aged 80 years or above, have become the fastest-growing population segment around the world due to improvements in economic and social conditions, and ongoing medical advances [1,2]
Using the instrument WHOQOL-OLD, which was developed for assessing quality of life (QOL) in older adults, the purpose of this study was to examine the association between grip strength and QOL and to determine which specific domains of QOL are affected by grip strength among Chinese community-dwelling oldest old
This study specified the domains of QOL, including autonomy; past, present, and future activities; and social participation that are significantly associated with grip strength
Summary
The oldest old, aged 80 years or above, have become the fastest-growing population segment around the world due to improvements in economic and social conditions, and ongoing medical advances [1,2]. The number of people in the oldest old population has been projected to triple by 2050, growing from 126.5 million in 2015 to. As life expectancy increases, improving quality of life (QOL) and maintaining the wellbeing of older adults, the oldest old for as long as possible, has become increasingly important [5]. These are the optimal goals of individuals, communities, and nations [6]. A better understanding of the factors, modifiable factors, associated with QOL of the oldest old is critical for identifying potential interventions for improving QOL
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