Physical Factors in Age-Related Physical Performance Decline in Older Adults at Lembaga Lansia Indonesia, West Java Branch

Abstract

The aging process is associated with increased body fat and decreased muscle mass and strength in older adults. This condition is frequently associated with loss of mobility and functions. This study aimed to explore the relationship between physical performance and handgrip strength, body composition, and anthropometry in community-dwelling older adults living in Bandung, West Java Province, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was performed from December 2015 to June 2016 on community-dwelling older adults above 60 years old who were the members of the West Java Branch of Lembaga Lansia Indonesia, Indonesia, with the ability to walk without an assistive device and to perform hand grip properly as an additional inclusion criterion. Subjects were excluded if they experienced severe cardiorespiratory or vascular abnormalities, used artificial implants, underwent hormone therapy, and had any disease that would affect the accuracy of the variable measurement. A total of 106 subjects (60-85 years old) participated in this study. A significant negative correlation between total body fat and physical performance and a positive correlation between handgrip strength to physical performance were observed among subjects. However, no correlation was found between the anthropometric measurement and physical performance. The total body fat percentage, muscle mass index, and handgrip strength correlate significantly to the physical performance in older adults and may be used as a good indicator to preserve physical function and quality of life in the elderly.