Abstract
BackgroundSeveral studies have focused on predictors of mobility limitations and disabilities. Yet little is known about the pace and patterns of mobility changes among very old people. This study examined changes in functional mobility among individuals aged 90 years and older during a 2-9-year follow-up. In addition, we were interested in the patterns of mobility changes.MethodsData were collected through a mailed questionnaire in the years 2001, 2003, 2007 and 2010. The study population (n = 948) consisted of individuals from three cohorts (2001, 2003, 2007) who participated in at least two survey rounds and answered the mobility questions. The length of the follow-up varied from 2–9 years between individuals as well as according to how many times an individual took part in the survey. Multilevel ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of time, age, gender, cohort and chronic conditions on changes in mobility.ResultsAt the baseline, “younger” old people, men and individuals in the cohorts for 2003 and 2007 had significantly better mobility compared with women, older individuals and individuals in the 2001 cohort. In addition, individuals with fewer chronic conditions had better mobility than those with more diseases. Mobility declined for most of the participants during the follow-up. The difference in the change in mobility over time for gender, age or chronic conditions was not statistically significant. The analyses were performed with a subgroup of participants aged 90–91 years at the baseline, and results did not differ substantially from the results for the entire study sample. However, the effect of chronic conditions on the change in mobility was statistically significant among participants aged 90-91years.ConclusionsNo differences were observed in the rate of mobility decline over time between age or gender. The effect of chronic conditions on the change in mobility was significant only among individuals aged 90–91 years. The prevention efforts are important and should focus even more, also among the oldest-old, on additional modifiable risk factors such as maintaining muscle strength.
Highlights
Several studies have focused on predictors of mobility limitations and disabilities
The decline in functional performance was high among persons aged 80 years and older, the changes in functional ability were not related to age or gender among people aged 70 years and older
In the study by Ahacic and colleagues [11] age was related to the change in mobility among men and women aged 77 years and older; older age was associated with the increased odds for mobility limitations
Summary
Several studies have focused on predictors of mobility limitations and disabilities. Yet little is known about the pace and patterns of mobility changes among very old people. This study examined changes in functional mobility among individuals aged 90 years and older during a 2-9-year follow-up. Earlier studies among people younger than 85 years of age have shown that an average of 60 % of mobility disability develops gradually over the years, rather than occurring abruptly [8, 9]. Earlier results with respect to the effects of age and gender on changes in mobility are contradictory and often focused on “younger” old people [10, 11]. The decline in functional performance was high among persons aged 80 years and older, the changes in functional ability were not related to age or gender among people aged 70 years and older. To understand the pathways and patterns of mobility changes, we need well-designed longitudinal studies of older people, including both non-institutionalized as well as institutionalized individuals. Findings from the longitudinal study will offer the background information to design the successful prevention and intervention
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