Evaluation of the influence of nutritional status, measures of frailty and level of physical activity on the quality of life of long-lived individuals

Maria Daniela Clementino,Rita Maria Monteiro Goulart

doi:10.1590/1980-5918.032.ao58

Maria Daniela Clementino, Rita Maria Monteiro Goulart

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-5918.032.ao58

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Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Aging is a worldwide phenomenon that has favored an increase in people aged 80 years and older. Objective: To assess the influence of nutritional status (NS), measures of frailty, and physical activity level (PAL) on the quality of life (QoL) of long-lived people. Method: The study was carried out from Oct 2016 to Sept 2017 with 103 individuals aged 80 years or more. NS was classified according to the PAHO Health, Well-Being and Aging (SABE) survey; waist circumference (WC) and calf perimeter (CP) was based on the WHO classification; handgrip strength (HGS) and gait speed (GS) used the classification proposed by Lauretani; PAL was classified according to the IPAQ short form; the WHOQoL-bref and WHOQoL-old were applied to measure QOL. Variables were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U and t-tests. Results: 69.2% were women, with an average age of 82.75 (± 2.98) years, and only WC showed a significant association (p <0.001). The older women without dynapenia exhibited better QoL in the physical domain (p = 0.004), social relationships (p = 0.022), self-reported QoL (p = 0.017) of the WHOQoL-bref and social participation facet (p = 0.025) of WHOQOL-old. Comparison of QoL with NS and PAL showed a significant difference in self-reported QoL (p = 0.027) for the former and past, present and future activities for the latter (p = 0.050). Conclusion: Obesity and the absence of dynapenia were positively associated with the QoL of long-lived individuals. PAL was associated with positive QoL in one facet of the WHOQoL-old.

Highlights

Aging is a worldwide phenomenon that has favored an increase in people aged 80 years and older
nutritional status (NS) was classified according to the PAHO Health, Well-Being and Aging (SABE) survey; waist circumference (WC) and calf perimeter (CP) was based on the WHO classification; handgrip strength (HGS) and gait speed (GS) used the classification proposed by Lauretani; physical activity level (PAL) was classified according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form; the WHOQoL-bref and WHOQoL-old were applied to measure QOL
Self-reported quality of life (QoL) was higher in obese older adults

Summary

Introduction

Aging is a worldwide phenomenon that has favored an increase in people aged 80 years and older. Natural senescent structural, physiological and functional changes occur [5] These changes include reduced height, a greater relationship between fat and muscle mass, lower body water level, weight loss (after the age of 80) [6] and a decline in muscle tissue that interferes in the mobility of older people [7]. Inadequate nutritional status (NS), combined with a sedentary lifestyle, is a risk factor for chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the population and physical inactivity raises the risk of comorbidities related to their development Preventive measures such as engaging in physical activity and a healthy diet are essential to reduce the physiological effects of aging, increase well-being, enhance cardiovascular health and mitigate chronic inflammatory conditions [9]

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