Relationships between Self-assessed Masticatory Ability and Higher Level Functional Capacity among Community-dwelling Young-old Persons

Abstract

Higher level functional capacity is considered a crucial component for independent living among the elderly. The aim of the present study was to show the relationships between self-assessed masticatory ability and higher level functional capacity among young-old persons living independently in the community. A total of 366 persons aged 67–74 years was enrolled in the study. Data on background factors and self-assessed masticatory ability were collected by questionnaires. Self-assessed masticatory ability was classified into one of three categories (ability to chew all kinds of food, only somewhat hard food, or only soft or puréed food). Higher level functional capacity was measured using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index, which consists of three sublevels: instrumental self-maintenance, intellectual activity, and social role. Significant differences were found in the total score (13-point scale), intellectual activity (4-point scale), and social role (4-point scale) among the three groups of self-assessed masticatory ability. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that severely impaired masticatory ability (the ability to chew only soft and puréed food) was significantly related to a loss of three points or more for the total score, and a loss of one point or more for intellectual activity and social role after adjustment for a number of confounding variables. Self-assessed masticatory ability is significantly and independently related to higher level functional capacity, especially intellectual activity and social role, among young-old persons living independently in the community. It is worthwhile noting masticatory ability when clinicians investigate factors associated with disability in independent living.