Community-Dwelling Older Adults Research Articles

Emergency Preparedness Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Risk and Protective Factors

ABSTRACT Recent increases in natural (e.g. extreme weather) and human-caused (e.g. industrial accidents) have raised concerns for public health and safety. Older adults face greater vulnerability and are often less prepared for these emergencies. Applying the risk and protective factor model, this study explored factors associated with emergency preparedness among older people living in the community. We analyzed cross-sectional secondary data obtained from the National Poll on Healthy Aging to compare factors associated with emergency preparedness among community-dwelling older people aged 60–69 (n = 383) and 70–80 (n = 370). Results showed that among all community-dwelling older adults, having previously discussed evacuation plans with family or friends was associated with a higher level of emergency preparedness. Among those aged 60–69, experience with an emergency in the past year was associated with a higher level of emergency preparedness, whereas living alone and having a Hispanic background were associated with a lower level of emergency preparedness. For those aged 70–80, higher perceived mental health was associated with a higher level of emergency preparedness. Implications focus on shifting the perspective of the disproportional risks for older adults around emergencies to one that values and supports older adults’ strengths and insights.

Less Favorable Nutri-Score Consumption Ratings Are Prospectively Associated with Abdominal Obesity in Older Adults.

Nutri-Score is a front-of-package (FOP) labeling designed to assist consumers in selecting healthier options at the point of purchase and ultimately enhance their health. This study aims to evaluate the association between the Nutri-Score system and incident abdominal obesity (AO) in community-dwelling older adults. A prospective cohort of 628 individuals aged ≥ 60 were recruited in Spain between 2008-2010 and were reexamined between 2015-2017. Dietary intake was evaluated utilizing a validated computerized dietary history. Food was categorized based on the Nutri-Score system into five levels from A (green, representing the best quality) to E (red, representing the poorest quality). A five-color Nutri-Score dietary index (5-CNS DI) in g/day/kg was calculated for each participant. AO was determined by a waist circumference (WC) of ≥102 cm for men and ≥88 cm for women. Logistic regression models were adjusted for the main potential confounders. During a mean six-year follow-up, 184 incident cases of AO occurred. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for AO, when comparing the highest and lowest quartiles of the 5-CNS DI, were 2.45 (1.17-5.14), with a p-value for trend of 0.035. In sensitivity analyses, the OR was 2.59 (1.22-5.52, p-trend: 0.032) after adjustment for WC at baseline, and 1.75 (0.74-4.18, p-trend: 0.316) after adjustment for ultra-processed food consumption. In conclusion, less favorable food-consumption ratings in the Nutri-Score are associated with incident AO in the elderly. These findings support the use of this FOP system to potentially improve metabolic health.

The Association between Postural Sway and Preclinical Alzheimer Disease among Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

It is unknown whether older adults with preclinical Alzheimer disease (AD) experience changes in postural sway compared to those without preclinical AD. The purpose of this study was to understand the effect of dual tasking on standing balance, or postural sway, for people with and without preclinical AD. A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a longitudinal cohort study. Participants were cognitively normal older adults with and without preclinical AD. Postural sway (path length) was tested using a force plate under standard and dual task balance conditions. Dual task cost (DTC) was calculated to examine performance change in balance conditions. Logistic regression models were used to predict preclinical AD status as a function of DTC. 203 participants (65 preclinical AD+) were included. DTC for path length was significantly greater for participants with preclinical AD (DTC path length mean difference 19.8, 95% CI 2.6 to 37.0, t(201)=2.29, p=0.024). Greater DTC was significantly associated with increased odds of having preclinical AD (adjusted odds ratio for a 20-unit increase in DTC 1.16, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.32). Older adults with preclinical AD are more likely to demonstrate significantly greater DTC in postural sway than those without preclinical AD. Dual tasking should be integrated into balance and fall risk assessments and may inform early detection of preclinical AD.

Health literacy in older adults: The newest vital sign and its relation to cognition and healthy lifestyle behaviors

Health literacy tends to decrease with age, and lower health literacy has been associated with lower levels of physical function, mental health, and medication adherence. The present study examined health literacy in relation to cognition in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. The study also examined the impact of health literacy on engagement in healthy aging lifestyle behaviors. Participants included 128 older adults (age: M = 72.07, SD = 6.71; education: M = 16.34, SD = 2.56; 74% female) who completed a health literacy measure (Newest Vital Sign; NVS), a lifestyle behavior questionnaire (Healthy Aging Activity Engagement scale; HAAE), and several neuropsychological tests. The cognitive domains assessed included memory, executive function, and attention/working memory. Two variables were computed from the NVS to represent the health literacy factors of document and numeracy literacy; these factors demonstrated a small correlation (r = .18). Results revealed that attention/working memory, executive function, and memory were all significantly related to numeracy literacy and overall health literacy. Only memory was significantly related to document literacy. After accounting for age, education, and cognition, a hierarchical regression revealed that health literacy significantly predicted engagement in healthy aging lifestyle behaviors. Multiple cognitive abilities are necessary for searching, finding, and processing information to make health-related decisions. Health literacy accounted for a significant amount of variance in older adults’ engagement in everyday lifestyle behaviors. Health literacy skills may be an area of focus for intervention efforts to improve brain health in older adults.

라이프스타일에 반영된 가치체계 평가도구(Yonsei Lifestyle Profile-Values)의 구성 타당성: 이중요인(Bifactor) 모델 접근

Objective: The construct validity and reliability of the Yonsei Lifestyle Profile-Values (YLP-V) were verified to measure the value system reflected in lifestyle behaviors. Methods: Data were collected from 300 community-dwelling older adults aged 55 years and older who were registered with an online research organization. The YLP-V was used to collect data, which underwent descriptive statistics, differential item functioning, and factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to estimate the factor structure, and confirmatory factor analysis was used to compare and confirm the validity of four competing models (single-factor, hierarchical factor, multidimensional factor, and bifactor). Results: Exploratory factor analysis using target rotation revealed that the dimensions of the YLP-V (activity, five items; interest, four items; opinion, nine items) showed factor loadings of 0.4 or higher, indicating good construct validity. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the bifactor model (χ2 = 164.58**, degree of freedom = 117, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05, standard root mean residual = 0.04, comparative fit index = 0.95, Turker Lewis index = 0.93) demonstrated the best fit among the tested models. Conclusion: We identified a factor structure consistent with evidence for developing the YLP-V, which allows for a micro-level lifestyle approach. The bifactor structure, with 18 items representing activity, interest, and opinion, demonstrated validity, and the YLP-V could be valuable for measuring and understanding the value systems reflected in behaviors within a healthy lifestyle.

Perceived Balance, Balance Performance, and Falls Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: To examine the extent to which older adults' perceived balance, a balance performance test, and fear of falling (FOF) were associated with falls in the last month. Methods: The Health Belief Model served as the theoretical framework. A retrospective, cross-sectional, secondary analysis using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study was conducted (N = 7499). Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of reporting a fall in the past month were 3.3 times (p < .001) greater for participants who self-reported having a balance problem compared to those who did not. The Short Physical Performance Battery and FOF were not uniquely associated with falls. Discussion: Our findings support limited evidence suggesting that older adults' perceived balance is a better predictor of falls than balance performance. Assessing older adults' perceived balance may be a new way to assess older adults' fall risk to prevent future falls.

Screening performance of a 100-mL water swallowing test in community-dwelling older adults: A receiver operating characteristic analysis.

The development of a dysphagia screening test is an urgent issue in the field of frailty prevention among community-dwelling older people. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the screening performance of a 100-mL water swallowing test (WST). The study employed a cross-sectional design. Participants were 304 (65 men and 239 women, mean age = 80 years) Japanese community-dwelling older adults aged over 65 years. We investigated swallowing disorder using the 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), and compared choking signs, swallowing time and number of swallows, and their combination in the 100-mL WST. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of these indices. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of swallowing time and number of swallows in the 100-mL WST based on the Youden Index among participants without choking signs. The sensitivity and specificity of choking signs in the 100-mL WST were 20% and 91%, respectively. The discriminating ability of swallowing time and number of swallows among participants without any choking signs was .76 and .72, respectively, in the area under the ROC curve. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity to discriminate dysphagia from normal swallowing ability were 65% and 74% when the cut-off was >10 s based on maximisation of the Youden Index. The 100-mL WST performed best when the indices of choking signs and swallowing time were combined, with a sensitivity and specificity of 72% and 68%, respectively. The 100-mL WST would be an adequate screening tool when compared to the EAT-10.

Post-acute care transitions during COVID-19: Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic differences in older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.

Differences in the post-acute care (PAC) destinations among racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups have been documented before the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the pandemic's impact on these differences remains unknown. We examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PAC destinations and its variation by individual race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status among community-dwelling older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD). We linked 2019-2021 national data (Medicare claims, Minimum Data Set, Master Beneficiary Summary File) and several publicly available datasets, including Provider of Services File, Area Deprivation Index, Area Health Resource File, and COVID-19 infection data. PAC discharge destinations included skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), home health agencies (HHA), and homes without services. Key variables of interest included individual race, ethnicity, and Medicare-Medicaid dual status. The analytic cohort included 830,656 community-dwelling Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with ADRD who were hospitalized between 2019 and 2021. Regression models with hospital random effects and state-fixed effects were estimated, stratified by the time periods, and adjusted for the individual, hospital, and county-level covariates. SNF discharges decreased while home and HHA discharges increased during the pandemic. The trend was more prominent among racial and ethnic minoritized groups and even more so among dual-eligible beneficiaries. For instance, the reduction in the probabilities of SNF admissions between the pre-pandemic period and the 2nd year of COVID was 4.6 (White non-duals), 18.5 (White duals), 8.7 (Black non-duals), and 20.1 (Black duals) percentage-point, respectively. We also found that non-duals were more likely to replace SNF with HHA services, while duals were more likely to be discharged home without HHA. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted PAC destinations for individuals with ADRD, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged and racial and ethnic minoritized populations. Future research is needed to understand if and how these transitions may have affected health outcomes.

Validation of a fall rate prediction model for community-dwelling older adults: a combined analysis of three cohorts with 1850 participants

BackgroundFragility fractures in older adults are often caused by fall events. The estimation of an expected fall rate might improve the identification of individuals at risk of fragility fractures and improve fracture prediction.MethodsA combined analysis of three previously developed fall rate models using individual participant data (n = 1850) was conducted using the methodology of a two-stage meta-analysis to derive an overall model. These previously developed models included the fall history as a predictor recorded as the number of experienced falls within 12 months, treated as a factor variable with the levels 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and ≥ 5 falls. In the first stage, negative binomial regression models for every cohort were fit. In the second stage, the coefficients were compared and used to derive overall coefficients with a random effect meta-analysis. Additionally, external validation was performed by applying the three data sets to the models derived in the first stage.ResultsThe coefficient estimates for the prior number of falls were consistent among the three studies. Higgin’s I2 as heterogeneity measure ranged from 0 to 55.39%. The overall coefficient estimates indicated that the expected fall rate increases with an increasing number of previous falls. External model validation revealed that the prediction errors for the data sets were independent of the model to which they were applied.ConclusionThis analysis suggests that the fall history treated as a factor variable is a robust predictor of estimating future falls among different cohorts.

Exploring within-meal variety to promote appeal of home-cooked meals in older adults

Undernutrition is highly prevalent in older adults and poses a major threat to physical and mental wellbeing. To foster healthy eating (and healthy aging), strategies are needed to improve dietary quality of older adults. In this study, the feasibility of increasing food variety in home-cooked meals is explored as strategy to promote meat and vegetable consumption in community dwelling older adults. Adults aged 50 years or older (N = 253) evaluated pictures of traditional Dutch dinner meals with more or less variety in the vegetable or meat component in an online questionnaire. Specifically, four different variety ‘levels’ were presented: (1) no variety, (2) meat variety, (3) vegetable variety, and (4) variety in both meat and vegetables (mixed). Participants indicated for each meal picture how much they would like the meal, whether it represented an ideal portion size, and whether they would be able and willing to prepare the meal. We expected that with increasing variety, liking and ideal portion size would increase, while ability and willingness to prepare the meals would decrease. Results showed that the meals with meat variety and mixed variety were liked less than meals with vegetable variety or no variety. Participants were all highly willing to prepare the meals, but they were less willing to prepare the meals with meat variety and mixed variety compared to the meals with vegetable variety and no variety. All meals were evaluated as being too large, but the meals with vegetable variety and mixed variety were evaluated as more oversized than the meals without variety and with meat variety. These results suggest that encouraging older adults to include variety in home-cooked meals might be more challenging than anticipated.

Is high-volume pilates training better to improve physical-functional performance in community-dwelling older adults? A randomized and controlled clinical trial

Is high-volume pilates training better to improve physical-functional performance in community-dwelling older adults? A randomized and controlled clinical trial

The Effect of Psychological Resilience on Cognitive Decline in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study.

Chronic stress is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. This study aimed to assess whether better coping with stress, as assessed using the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), is associated with slower cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults. This study used 2018/2019 data and 2-year follow-up data from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study. Of the 3,014 total participants, we included 1,826 participants (mean age, 77.6±3.7 years, 51.9% female) who completed BRS and Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Battery and the Korean version of the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). Higher BRS score at baseline was associated with a lesser decline in the Mini-Mental State Examination score over 2 years after adjusting for age, sex, years of education, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, and depression (B, 0.175; 95% confidence interval, 0.025-0.325) for 2 years, which represents global cognitive function. Other cognitive function measurements (Word List Memory, Word List Recall, Word List Recognition, Digit Span, Trail Making Test-A, and FAB) did not change significantly with the BRS score at baseline. These findings suggest that better stress-coping ability, meaning faster termination of the stress response, may limit the decline in cognitive function.

Loneliness prevalence of community-dwelling older adults and the impact of the mode of measurement, data collection, and country: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the prevalence of loneliness in many countries worldwide which have different ways of assessing it. Systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched seven electronic databases for English peer-reviewed studies published between 1992 and 2021. We selected English-language peer-reviewed articles, with data from non-clinical populations of community-dwelling older adults (>60 years), and with "loneliness" or "lonely" in the title. A multilevel random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the prevalence of loneliness across studies and to pool prevalence rates for different measurement instruments, data collection methods, and countries. Our initial search identified 2,021 studies of which 45 (k = 101 prevalence rates) were included in the final meta-analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence rate was 31.6% (n = 168,473). Measurement instrument was a statistically significant moderator of the overall prevalence of loneliness. Loneliness prevalence was lowest for single-item questions and highest for the 20-item University of California-Los Angeles Loneliness Scale. Also, differences between modes of data collection were significant: the loneliness prevalence was significantly the highest for face-to-face data collection and the lowest for telephone and CATI data collection. Our moderator analysis to look at the country effect indicated that four of the six dimensions of Hofstede also caused a significant increase (Power Distance Index, Uncertainty Avoidance Index, Indulgence) or decrease (Individualism) in loneliness prevalence. This study suggests that there is high variability in loneliness prevalence rates among community-dwelling older adults, influenced by measurement instrument used, mode of data collection, and country.

Remote assistance-focused strength training and nutritional guidance in preventing frailty on body composition and muscle strength in community-dwelling Japanese older adults during COVID-19 pandemic

Remote assistance-focused strength training and nutritional guidance in preventing frailty on body composition and muscle strength in community-dwelling Japanese older adults during COVID-19 pandemic

Short-term dynamics of loneliness and depressive symptoms: Gender differences in older adults

BackgroundPrevious research examining the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms often treated these constructs as static traits rather than dynamic states. The current study focused on the short-term, prospective link between loneliness and depressive symptoms, while also analyzing potential gender differences. MethodsWe modeled panel data from seven bi-weekly assessments gathered in the FRequent health Assessment In Later life (FRAIL70+) study. At baseline, the sample size amounted to N = 426 community-dwelling older adults aged 70 years or older in Austria. The relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms was analyzed using a latent change score modeling framework. ResultsAs regards depressive symptoms, women showed higher initial levels and more change across the three months than men. Loneliness did not considerably change across time for both sexes. Moreover, greater levels of loneliness at a given point in time were associated with an accelerated increase in depressive symptoms two weeks later in women but not in men. ConclusionLoneliness appeared to be a potential determinant of future increases in depressive symptoms. The varying effects observed between men and women suggest potential gender differences in short-term fluctuations of depressive symptoms and their underlying mechanisms.

A single trial of the five-repetition sit-to-stand test provides adequate measures in community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study

PurposeTo investigate whether the number of trials would affect the results of the Five-Repetition Sit-to-Stand Test (5STSt) and its measurement properties in community-dwelling older adults. MethodsThree trials of the 5STSt, after familiarization, were performed by 50 older adults (69.9 ± 5.5 years). The one-way ANOVA was used to compare the number of trials of the 5STSt (the first trial, the best trial, the mean of two trials, and the mean of three trials). Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was calculated to investigate inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities, and SEM and MDC95% were also calculated. The magnitude of the correlations was classified as very low≤0.25; low = 0.26–0.49; moderate = 0.50–0.69; high = 0.70–0.89; and very high = 0.90–1.00. (α = 0.05). ResultsThe values provided by different numbers of trials were similar in session-1 (F = 1.315; p = 0.271), as well as in session-2 (F = 0.668; p = 0.574). Inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities were significant and classified as moderate to high for all number of trials (0.63<ICC<0.92; p < 0.001). The SEM (0.62 < SEM < 1.52) and the MDC95% (1.72<MDC95%<4.22) values, in seconds, for all ICC values, were calculated. ConclusionA single trial of the 5STSt can be used to evaluate community-dwelling older adults, which potentially decreases the evaluation time, fatigue, and the occurrence of pain.

Chronic pain in older adults with disabilities is associated with fall-related injuries: a prospective cohort study.

Previous studies have shown an association between chronic pain and the occurrence of falls in community-dwelling older adults; however, the association between chronic pain and fall-related injuries in older adults with disabilities is unclear. This study aimed to determine the association between chronic pain and fall-related injuries in older adults with disabilities. This 24-month prospective cohort study included older adults aged 65years or older using Japanese long-term care insurance services. Chronic pain, defined as "pain that has persisted for more than three months to date," was assessed using a face-to-face questionnaire. Fall-related injuries, defined as "injuries requiring hospitalization or outpatient treatment due to a fall," were assessed using a fall calendar. Data were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model, with fall-related injury as the dependent variable, chronic pain as the independent variable, and confounders as covariates. Among 133 included participants, 15 experienced fall-related injuries. After adjusting for age and sex as covariates, chronic pain was significantly associated with fall-related injuries (hazard ratio: 5.487, 95% confidence interval: 1.211-24.853, p = 0.027). Chronic pain was associated with fall-related injuries in older adults with disabilities. In this population, a greater focus should be placed on treating chronic pain to reduce the occurrence of falls.

Do changes in the frailty score differ by the type of group sports and exercises participated in? A 3-year longitudinal study

BackgroundOlder adults who engage in group sports and exercises achieve greater health benefits than those who exercise by themselves. The benefits of group participation may vary depending on the type of sports/exercise they engage in. The present study aimed to identify the association between specific sports and exercise types performed in groups and evaluate the longitudinal changes in multidimensional frailty scores among community-dwelling older adults in Japan.MethodsWe used 3-year follow-up data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study and analyzed 33,746 men and 36,799 women aged ≥ 65 years. To elucidate the relationship between participation in 20 types of group sports/exercises in 2016 (baseline) and the change in frailty score (using the Kihon Checklist, KCL) from 2016 to 2019, we performed linear regression analyses through multivariate adjustments for age group, self-rated health, marital status, living alone, occupational status, years of education, alcohol drinking status, smoking status, equivalent income, and disease status using an inverse probability weighting method. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe mean change in KCL scores over 3 years was + 0.62 and + 0.61 points in men and women, respectively, implying the degree of frailty worsened. The sports/exercise types that significantly prevented increments in KCL scores for both sexes compared to non-participants were hiking (men: B, − 0.36; women: B, − 0.29), walking (men: B, − 0.26; women: B, − 0.24), tennis (men: B, − 0.23; women: B, − 0.24), ground golf (men: B, − 0.21; women: B, − 0.19), and weight exercises (men: B, − 0.19; women: B, − 0.16).ConclusionParticipation in specific sports and exercise groups offer significant physical and psychological benefits for frailty prevention among older adults in Japan. The results of this study may offer substantive evidence to encourage older adults to participate in group activities for the prevention of multidimensional frailty. It will also help public health stakeholders to decide which type of sports and exercise groups to promote in a community.

Psychometric properties of the World Health Organization WHOQOL-AGE Scale in Singapore

WHOQOL-AGE is a promising quality of life (QOL) tool that has not been fully validated in Asia. The present study aimed to verify its factor structure and psychometric properties among community-dwelling older adults in Singapore. This study was cross-sectional and used data (N = 593) from the Community Health and Intergenerational study that interviewed older adults between 2018 and 2021. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the factor structure of the WHOQOL-AGE, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were employed to examine internal consistency. Spearman’s rho correlations coefficients between WHOQOL-AGE and other related scales (Satisfaction with Life and the Friendship) examined convergent validity. A Pearson’s correlation coefficient between WHOQOL-AGE and compassion scale examined discriminant validity. An independent t test was used to demonstrate known-groups validity, examining differences in QOL scores between individuals with and without chronic medical conditions. Findings supported a bifactor model with more satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices than the original two-factor model and the two-correlated factor model. WHOQOL-AGE showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficients > .70). Good convergent validity was demonstrated by moderate-to-large correlations between WHOQOL-AGE and satisfaction with life (rs = .54) as well as social connectedness (rs = .33). Discriminant validity was shown by low correlations between WHOQOL-AGE and compassion (r = .19). Findings also indicated good known-groups validity (p < 0.01). The WHOQOL-AGE showed promising psychometric properties using an Asian convenience sample and can be useful in large-scale studies or busy clinical settings.

Association of taurine intake with changes in physical fitness among community-dwelling middle-aged and older Japanese adults: an 8-year longitudinal study.

Taurine has diverse valuable biological functions, including antioxidant activity and regulation of osmotic pressure. Maintaining physical fitness from middle age is important for healthy life expectancy. Although taurine administration improves muscle endurance and strength, its role in maintenance remains unclear. We aimed to clarify the longitudinal taurine intake association with fitness changes. Participants comprised men and women aged ≥40 years who participated in the third (2002-2004; Baseline) and seventh (2010-2012; Follow-up) waves of the National Institute for Longevity Sciences-Longitudinal Study of Aging (NILS-LSA) and completed a 3-day dietary weights recording survey at baseline. A table of taurine content was prepared for 751 foods (including five food groups: Seaweed; Fish and shellfish; Meat; Eggs; and Milk and dairy products) from the Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan (1,878 foods) 2010. Four physical fitness items (knee extension muscle strength, sit-and-reach, one-leg standing with eyes closed, and maximum walking speed) were measured at baseline and follow-up. We analyzed the association of taurine intake with physical fitness change, employing a general linear model (GLM) and trend tests for baseline taurine intake and follow-up fitness change. Adjustments included baseline variables: sex, age, height, weight, educational level, self-rated health, smoking status, depressive symptoms, and clinical history. The estimated average daily taurine intake (standard deviation) was 207.5 (145.6) mg/day at the baseline. When examining the association with the four physical fitness parameters, higher taurine intake positively increased the change in knee extension muscle strength (T1; 0.1, T2; 0.8, T3; 1.1 (kgf) GLM, p < 0.05; p for trend <0.05) and reduced the decline in knee extension muscle strength in the subgroup analysis of participants aged ≥65 years (T1: -1.9, T2: -1.7, T3: -0.4 kgf; GLM p < 0.05, p for trend <0.05). No relationship was found between taurine intake and the remaining three fitness factors. Estimation of taurine intake showed that dietary taurine intake potentially contributes to the maintenance of knee extension muscle strength over 8 years among Japanese community-dwelling middle-aged and older individuals. This is the first study to investigate the association of dietary taurine intake with muscle strength.