Status In Community-dwelling Older Adults Research Articles

Dentition and weight status in community-dwelling older adults.

Tooth loss is common among older adults and can affect dietary intake and weight status. This study investigated associations between dentition status and body mass index (BMI) in older adults. This was a cross-sectional study of data from a convenience sample of older adults (65-89 years) treated at an urban U.S. dental school clinic. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from electronic health records. Dentition status was determined based on data from odontograms. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of having a non-normal weight status for each measure of dentition status, after adjusting for covariates. Patients (n = 1765) were 54.1% female, 51.5% White, 41.6% African American and 22.5% Hispanic/Latino. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 71 (67.0-75.0) years; the mean (±SD) BMI was 28.5 (±5.7) kg/m2 ; 72.5% were overweight or obese. The median (IQR) number of remaining teeth was 20.0 (13.0-24.0); the median numbers of anterior and posterior occluding pairs of teeth were 5.0 (2.0-6.0) and 2.0 (0.0-5.0), respectively; and 44.9% had a functional dentition (≥21 teeth). Having a higher number of remaining teeth and more posterior occluding pairs were associated with lower odds of obesity (OR = 0.980, 95% CI = 0.964, 0.997, p = .022 and OR = 0.931, 95% CI = 0.885, 0.980, p = .006, respectively). Lack of a functional dentition was associated with higher odds of obesity (OR = 1.400, 95% CI = 1.078, 1.818, p = .012), after controlling for covariates. Older adults with tooth loss - especially loss of posterior occlusion and lack of a functional dentition - were more likely to be obese than of normal weight.

Asociación de fuerza prensil y extensores de rodilla con estado nutricional de adultos mayores pertenecientes a la comunidad

AimTo determine the association of hand grip strength and knee extensor strength with the nutritional status of community-dwelling older adults. Material and methodsObservational cross-sectional study. Weight and height of 847 older adults were analyzed according to body mass index and classified into four nutritional categories according to the Chilean Ministry of Health. Hand grip and knee extensors strength for both extremities were evaluated. Strength was normalized by body mass. Spearman's correlation between body mass index and muscle strength was used. ResultsThe sample was 582 women, 265 men and an average age of 71.72±7.09. The women had a BMI of 30.03±5.48 and the men of 27.64 ± 4.05, the most numerous category was normal weight (n = 288) and the lowest low weight (n = 74). Hand grip strength presented a higher correlation than knee extensors, specifically, right hand grip strength (r: −0.40). The highest correlation and significance were presented by the obese category for all strength measurements, with right hand grip strength being the highest (r: −0.29). ConclusionsThe increase in the nutritional status of older adults has a negative influence on muscle strength. The best association between body mass index and muscle strength was the right hand grip. The finding of the increase in life expectancy as the nutritional status of the sample decreases stands out. Future studies are needed to generate percentiles and normalized values in the Chilean population.

Effectiveness of mobile augmented reality–integrated oral health education for community-dwelling older adults: A randomized controlled trial

Background & purposeOral health education helps older adults optimize their oral health. However, traditional lecture-based oral health education has limitations, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile augmented reality (MAR) has emerged as an alternative educational method. This study compared the effectiveness of MAR-integrated oral health education with that of lecture-based education and no education. MethodsThis parallel, randomized controlled, open-label trial enrolled 75 older adults from six activity centers. The participants were randomly assigned, by a random number table technique, to the lecture-based, MAR, or control group. Data on oral healthcare-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and oral health status were collected through questionnaires and oral examinations at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at a 2-week follow-up. The MAR system's usability was assessed. Statistical analyses, comprising descriptive statistics and inferential tests, were performed. ResultsData from 61 participants were analyzed, 22 in the lecture-based group, 20 in the MAR group, and 19 in the control group. Both lectures and MAR education significantly improved oral health status. However, changes in knowledge and self-efficacy scores were significantly different only for the MAR versus control group (p = .002 and .001, respectively). The MAR group demonstrated better knowledge and self-efficacy retention than did the lecture-based group, without significant difference. Usability assessment revealed potential for improvement in the MAR system. ConclusionsMAR-integrated oral health education enhanced the knowledge, self-efficacy, and oral health status of community-dwelling older adults. However, addressing technology adoption and usability challenges is vital. Longer-term evaluations and broader geographical studies are recommended.

149 Power-agers: the effect of Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) on sarcopenia status of community dwelling older adults

Abstract Background The primary aim of this study is to establish whether the sarcopenia status of community-dwelling older adults could be improved using Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) in a gym-based, physiotherapy-led intervention for 7 weeks. Methods This is a non-randomised study, all participants completed the intervention. 24 participants attended the programme, n = 2 lost to follow up. Participants attended twice weekly for 7 weeks; 2 assessment sessions and 12 exercise sessions. The assessment consisted of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, Timed Up and Go (TUAG), five time Sit-to-Stand (5 x STS), 10 metre walk test, grip strength and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Each group had 5–7 participants complete 6 exercises in circuit; (1) weighted sit-to-stand, (2) modified deadlift, (3) farmer walks, (4) overhead press, (5) cable row, and (6) cable chest press. Results Data were analysed using SPSS. Pre-intervention 87.5% (n = 21) were identified as ‘probable sarcopenic’; post-intervention this decreased to 77.3% (n = 17). Sarcopenia status was not found to be significantly associated with the intervention by Chi-squared tests. No participants were classified as ‘confirmed sarcopenia’, as all were above the cut off scores for muscle mass. There was a statistically significant change in the SPPB and TUAG scores (p < 0.0041), with large effect sizes; Eta squared = 0.481 (SPPB), and 0.341 (TUAG). Improvements in 5xSTS and right grip strength had alpha values of less than p < 0.05, with large effect sizes, however they did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion The improvements in physical performance measures (SPPB & TUAG) are encouraging and may indicate that PRT can play a role in the long-term management of sarcopenia and promotion of independence in older adults. However, due to the lack of a control, it is difficult to ascribe the changes to the intervention itself. Further research with suitable controls and follow-up is needed to gain insights into which PRT interventions are the most effective in managing sarcopenia in older community dwellers.

Effect of Mediterranean Dietary Pattern on Cognitive Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Modifiable factors associated with cognitive decline (CD) require more attention, particularly dietary patterns. This study aimed to investigate the link between cognitive decline and associated factors, particularly dietary patterns (DPs), in community-dwelling older Lebanese of modest economic status. Our cross-sectional national study included 352 participants above 60 years old, from the medico-social centers of the ministry of social affairs all over the country. CD was screened based on literacy. Nutritional and dietary data were collected through a validated food frequency questionnaire. DPs were extracted by the K-mean cluster analysis. CD was found in 32.7% and 61.5% of literate and illiterate groups, respectively. Identified DPs included a Westernized type and Mediterranean type, with high and moderate food intakes. In the context of literacy, independent factors associated with CD were age above 80 years, living in Beirut, frailty, and adopting a Westernized (OR = 3.08, 95% CI: 1.22-7.8) and a high-intake Mediterranean DP (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.05-4.22). In the context of illiteracy, the same factors were associated with CD, but not DP nor frailty, with an age cut-off at 78 years. In a Lebanese sample of older adults, factors associated with CD depend on the level of literacy, with DP only associated with CD in the context of literacy.

Diabetes and factors associated with cognitive and functional decline. The screening for CKD among older people across Europe (SCOPE) study.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in older people is a heterogeneous condition that exhibits differential characteristics in comparison with younger adults. DM increases the risk of disability, is associated with dementia and loss of function, and cognition may often be interrelated and more pronounced in older patients with DM than in those without. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence of functional and/or cognitive impairment in older adults with and without DM, and its associated factors in DM participants. A 2-year prospective analysis was conducted in a European multicenter prospective cohort (SCOPE study). Older community-dwelling adults (aged ≥ 75years) underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment. New functional and/or cognitive decline was explored. Of 1611 participants, 335 (22.0%) had DM at baseline. The percentage of participants scoring at least one ADL impairment and/or cognitive impairment (MMSE < 24) was similar in both groups (9.6%). Factors associated with any new disability in participants with DM in the multivariate analysis were female sex (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.42-7.56), history of stroke (OR 4.58, 95% CI 1.64-12.7), and greater IADL dependency (OR 1.08 95% CI 1.02-1.15). Association between DM and cognitive or functional decline in outpatients of 75years and older was not found, but factors such as female gender, history of stroke, and IADL dependency could be related. Decline in functional and cognitive status of community-dwelling older adults with DM was similar to participants without DM in a short period of 2years of follow-up, though several clinical factors may increase its risk in this population.

Associations between Various Sleep-Wake-Related Indicators and Nutritional Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Yilan Study, Taiwan.

To elucidate the relationship between various sleep-wake-related indicators and nutritional status. Cross-sectional study. Community-based survey between 2017 and 2022 in Yilan City, Taiwan. 1,905 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment, and participants were classified into normal nutritional status and undernutrition groups. Regarding sleep-wake-related indicators, specific items or component scores of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to assess sleep-wake schedule, subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, presence of sleep disturbances, hypnotic use, and dysfunction in maintaining enthusiasm. The 5-item Athens Insomnia Scale and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used to evaluate insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness, respectively. Of the 1,905 participants, the mean age was 75.6±7.1, with 52.2% being ≥75 years old, 58.9% were women, and 11.4% had undernutrition. After controlling for covariates, short sleepers were less likely to have undernutrition (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.41-0.97); in contrast, long sleepers were more likely to exhibit undernutrition (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.06-2.17). In addition, poor habitual sleep efficiency (OR:1.69; 95% CI:1.15-2.50), taking hypnotics in the past month (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.12-2.24), and dysfunction in maintaining enthusiasm (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.24-2.99) were associated with increased risk of undernutrition. Among older adults, various sleep-wake-related indicators differed in their relationships with nutritional status. Specific sleep-wake disturbances may indicate undernutrition in this population.

Association between frailty, chronic conditions and socioeconomic status in community-dwelling older adults attending primary care: a cross-sectional study using practice-based research network data

ObjectivesFrailty is a multidimensional syndrome of loss of reserves in energy, physical ability, cognition and general health. Primary care is key in preventing and managing frailty, mindful of the social...

Detrimental effect of high social risk on the cardiovascular health status of community-dwelling older adults living in rural settings. A population-based, longitudinal prospective study

BackgroundInformation of the effect of social risk on the cardiovascular health (CVH) status among individuals living in rural settings is limited. We aim to assess this effect in participants of the Three Villages Study cohort. MethodsFollowing a longitudinal prospective design, older adults living in rural Ecuador received baseline social risk determinations by means of social determinants of health components included in the Gijon's Social-Familial Evaluation Scale (SFES) together with clinical interviews and procedures to determine CVH status included in the Life's Simple 7 construct. Those who also received CVH assessment at the end of the study were included. Random-effects generalized least square and mixed logistic regression models were fitted to assess the longitudinal effect of social risk on CVH metrics, after adjusting for relevant covariates. ResultsThe study included 443 community dwellers (mean age: 67 ± 7 years). The Gijon's SFES mean score was 9.8 ± 2.7 points. The mean number of ideal CVH metrics at baseline was 3.1 ± 1.3, which decreased to 2.6 ± 1.2 (β: -0.467; 95% C.I.: −0.588 to −0.346), after a mean of 7.31 ± 3.26 years of follow-up. The total Gijon's SFES score was higher among individuals with a worsening CVH status compared to those who did not (10.4 ± 2.6 versus 9.3 ± 2.6; p < 0.001). The ideal CVH status declined 1.23 (95% C.I.: 1.13–1.34) times per point of change in the total Gijon's SFES score. ConclusionStudy results indicate a deleterious effect of high social risk on CVH status at follow-up in this underserved population.

Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet is associated with physical and cognitive health: A cross-sectional analysis of community-dwelling older Australians.

Poor cognitive function is associated with reduced functional independence, risk of institutionalization and reduced health-related quality of life. The ability to independently perform instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs) is compromised in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Emerging evidence suggests that adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), may play an important protective role against cognitive decline and dementia risk, whilst preserving functional status. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the independent associations between MedDiet adherence, cognitive risk, and functional status in community-dwelling older adults living in Australia. MedDiet adherence was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS); a modified Lawton's iADL scale was used for the assessment of functional status and risk of cognitive impairment was assessed using the AD8 dementia screening intervention. A total of n = 294 participants were included in the final analyses (70.4 ± 6.2 years; Females, n = 201; Males, n = 91; n = 2 unspecified). Adherence to a MedDiet was positively associated with functional ability (β = 0.172; CI: 0.022, 0.132; P = 0.006) independent of age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking status, sleep duration, physical activity duration, diabetes status, and level of education. Furthermore, MedDiet adherence was inversely associated with cognitive risk (β = -0.134; CI: -0.198, -0.007; P = 0.035) independent of all covariates. However, our sensitivity analyses further showed that adherence to a MedDiet was not associated with cognitive risk in older adults free from cognitive impairment. We showed that adherence to a MedDiet is associated with healthy physical and cognitive aging. Nevertheless, exploration of these findings in larger cohorts, using longitudinal analyses and controlling for important confounders to ascertain the direction of the relationship is warranted.

Evaluating the discriminatory power of the velocity field diagram and timed-up-and-go test in determining the fall status of community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional observational study

BackgroundSystematic reviews demonstrated that gait variables are the most reliable predictors of future falls, yet are rarely included in fall screening tools. Thus, most tools have higher specificity than sensitivity, hence may be misleading/detrimental to care. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the validity, and reliability of the velocity field diagram (VFD -a gait analytical tool), and the Timed-up-and-go test (TUG)-commonly used in Nigeria as fall screening tools, compared to a gold standard (known fallers) among community-dwelling older adults.MethodThis is a cross-sectional observational study of 500 older adults (280 fallers and 220 non-fallers), recruited by convenience sampling technique at community health fora on fall prevention. Participants completed a 7-m distance with the number of steps and time it took determined and used to compute the stride length, stride frequency, and velocity, which regression lines formed the VFD. TUG test was simultaneously conducted to discriminate fallers from non-fallers. The cut-off points for falls were: TUG times ≥ 13.5 s; VFD’s intersection point of the stride frequency, and velocity regression lines (E1) ≥ 3.5velots. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curves (AUC) was used to explore the ability of the E1 ≥ 3.5velots to discriminate between fallers and non-fallers. The VFD’s and TUG’s sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were determined. Alpha was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe VFD versus TUG sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 71%, 27%, 55%, and 42%, versus 39%, 59%, 55%, and 43%, respectively. The ROC’s AUC were 0.74(95%CI:0.597,0.882, p = 0.001) for the VFD. The optimal categorizations for discrimination between fallers/non-fallers were ≥ 3.78 versus ≤ 3.78 for VFD (fallers versus non-fallers prevalence is 60.71% versus 95.45%, respectively), with a classification accuracy or prediction rate of 0.76 unlike TUG with AUC = 0.53 (95% CI:0.353,0.700, p = 0.762), and a classification accuracy of 0.68, and optimal characterization of ≥ 12.81 s versus ≤ 12.81 (fallers and non-fallers prevalence = 92.86% versus 36.36%, respectively).ConclusionThe VFD demonstrated a fair discriminatory power and greater reliability in identifying fallers than the TUG, and therefore, could replace the TUG as a primary tool in screening those at risk of falls.

Social Networks and Residential Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Schizophrenia: Compensation by Reconfiguration?

ObjectiveTo address the paucity of data on the structure and content of social networks of older adults with schizophrenia (OAS). MethodsThe OAS group comprised 249 persons aged 55 and older with early-onset schizophrenia living in supportive housing (SS; n = 151), independently (SI; n = 70), or with family (SF; n = 28). The community comparison (CC) group comprised 113 individuals. Social network analysis was used. Multinomial logistic regression with p ≤0.001 and p ≤0.05 was used for overall and pairwise comparisons, respectively. ResultsEach OAS subgroup had more total, nonkin, and formal linkages than the CC group. The SS and SI subgroups had fewer kin linkages than the CC group. The CC group had more confidants than the SS subgroup, more reliable linkages than the SS and SI subgroups, and more sustenance linkages than each of the OAS subgroups. Nearly everyone in the CC, SI, and SF subgroups had a confidant, a reliable contact, and a sustenance linkage; 33% of the SS subgroup had no confidants. The SS subgroup displayed more psychiatric symptoms than the SI and SF subgroups. There were no differences in loneliness or relationship satisfaction between the CC and the schizophrenia subgroups. ConclusionNetworks were expressed differentially across residential arrangements and differences may reflect dissimilarities in psychiatric functioning. OAS generally had ample levels of companionship and emotional and instrumental support, often comparable to their age peers. Whereas social networks typically decline at illness onset and may be predominantly family-focused, later life may be a time of network reconfiguration and reconstitution.

Interpreting the Evidence of Body Mass Index in Relation to Mental Health Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Introduction: Maintaining a better physical and mental health status is an important issue for older adults in their later life. Thus, the study’s purpose was to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and mental health status in older adults aged 65 years old or above residing in communities of Taipei City, Taiwan. Methods: We carried out secondary data analysis with data from a volunteer-based health examination project for older adults >65 years old residing in Taipei City from 2006 to 2010 with a retrospective study design. BMI, calculated by standardized measuring procedures for height and weight, and mental health status, evaluated by 5-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5), were collected at their first visits of health examination. A BSRS-5 score ≥6 was considered an inferior mental health status for the outcome. In statistical analysis, univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were adopted to estimate the relative risk of inferior mental health status, treating BMI as the major exposure of interest. Results: A total of 90,576 subjects were involved, with a mean age of 73.38 years old (SD = 6.64 years) and 49.21% females. With confounders controlled, compared to normal or overweight (23 ≤ BMI <30), an adjusted OR of 1.23 (95% CI: 1.18, 1.29) on inferior mental health status was detected for the underweight group (BMI <23) significantly. Adjusted OR for those obese (BMI ≧30) was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.79, 0.96). Significantly elevated ORs of underweight were found for both genders, but the significantly protective effect of obese was only detected for females. Conclusion: Keeping an appropriate weight or even being overweighted might be beneficial for older adults dwelling in the community, especially for males.

Effects of food neophobia and oral health on the nutritional status of community-dwelling older adults

BackgroundFood preferences and oral health of older adults greatly affect their nutritional intake, and old-age–related increase in food neophobia may consequently reduce food intake in older adults. This study aimed to determine the impact of food neophobia and oral health on nutritional risk in community-dwelling older adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 238 independent adults aged ≥ 65 years (mean, 76.3 ± 7.3 years). The survey items included a Food Neophobia Scale, frequency of protein intake, oral-health–related quality of life (QOL) assessment, and oral diadochokinesis (ODK; /pa/, /ta/, /ka/) as an index of oral function. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment®, and based on a cutoff value of 24 points, respondents were categorized as well-nourished (≥ 24 points, Group 1) or at risk of malnutrition (< 24 points, Group 2). A logistic regression model was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (adj-OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) to identify risks factors for malnutrition associated with food neophobia and oral health.ResultsFactors associated with the risk of malnutrition in the older population were higher food neophobia (adj-OR = 1.036, 95% CI: 1.007–1.067) and lower oral function (OR = 0.992, 95% CI: 0.985–0.999) and lower oral-health–related QOL (adj-OR = 0.963, 95% CI: 0.929–0.999).ConclusionsOlder adults at risk of developing malnutrition may have higher food neophobia and lower oral function and oral-health–related QOL. Factors contributing to preventing malnutrition include predicting the risk of malnutrition based on the oral health indicators that older people are aware of, signs appearing in the oral cavity, minor deterioration, and providing dietary guidance about food neophobia. Notably, these approaches represent novel strategies for nutrition support that can be implemented based on a multifaceted understanding of the eating habits of older adults.

Frequent Snacks Improved Energy Intake and Nutritional Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults at Risk of Malnutrition, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Background: Inadequate dietary intake and malnutrition are commonly found in older adults. They tend to have early satiety that limits intake from main meals. Some reports indicated that small frequent meals may promote higher intake. From that point of view, snacks may be useful. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of frequent snacks on energy intakes and nutritional status in older adults at risk of malnutrition. Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted among older adults at risk of malnutrition in a suburban community from November 2020 to March 2021 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Two villages were randomly assigned to either a control group (n=17) or an intervention group (n=17), and they were matched pairs by age and gender. An intervention snack consisted of 2 desserts and a box of milk (total 548 kcal) was used. For the first 3 weeks, an intervention snack was provided every day although it was too heavy for some participants. Therefore, after that, the intervention snack was provided every other day for 4 weeks. A nutrition survey by the 24-hour recall method for 3 days, body weight, mid-arm circumference (MAC), triceps skinfold (TSF), and grip strength were assessed at weeks 3 and 7 as baseline. Results: Thirty-one participants completed the study (91%). The average age was 71.8±4.8 years, and body mass index (BMI) was 19.0±2.1 kg/m2 . In the intervention snack group, there was an increased daily energy intake by 316 kcal and 214 kcal at weeks 3 and 7, respectively, (P&lt;0.001, effect size: 0.884), with a body weight of 0.8 kg (P&lt;0.001, effect size: 0.314), BMI of 2% (P=0.009, effect size: 0.314), and MAC of 4% (P&lt;0.001, effect size: 0.265) compared with baseline, but such energy intake was not observed in the control group. Conclusion: Providing frequent snacks was an effective way to improve energy intake and nutritional status in community-dwelling older adults at risk of malnutrition.

Associations between Dentition Status and Nutritional Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Older adults are at higher risk of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to explore associations between nutritional status and dentition status among older adults seeking care in a dental clinic. This was a cross-sectional study of data from older adults (65-89 y) who received care at a northeastern US urban dental school clinic between June 2015 and June 2020 (N = 305). Clinical and demographic data were obtained from the electronic health record; nutritional status was determined using the Self-Mini Nutritional Assessment (Self-MNA), and odontograms and digital radiography were used to determine dental data. Adjusted multivariable models were used to explore associations between variables. The sample was 53.8% female with a median age of 72.0 y. The median Self-MNA score was 13, reflective of normal nutritional status; 29.5% were at risk of or had malnutrition. Median numbers of teeth and posterior and anterior occluding pairs of teeth (POP, AOP) were 18.0, 2.0, and 5.0, respectively. Those with normal nutritional status had significantly more teeth, POPs, and AOPs than those at risk of or with malnutrition (P = 0.015, P = 0.015, and P = 0.039, respectively). Every additional unit increase in the number of natural or restored teeth or POP was associated with significantly lower odds of being at risk of or with malnutrition (3% and 13%, respectively). Having functional dentition was associated with 46% lower odds of being at risk of or with malnutrition. This study demonstrated that older adults who had more teeth, better occlusion, and functional dentition were more likely to be of normal nutritional status than those who had less teeth, had poorer occlusion, and lacked functional dentition. Further research with larger, more diverse samples and varied measures of dentition are needed to better understand the associations between nutritional status and dentition status. The findings from this study suggest that older adults with fewer teeth and therefore less efficient occlusion are at higher risk for malnutrition than those with more teeth and better occlusion. Health care professionals should include screening for dentition and malnutrition as part of their routine practice to identify patients who may have tooth loss and be at risk of malnutrition and refer them accordingly for interventions to optimize oral health and nutritional status.

Functional status of community-dwelling older adults after inpatient rehabilitation

Background/aims: Factors that influence functional ability in older adults after rehabilitation are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate how older people function in their community after being discharged from inpatient rehabilitation. Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken of community-dwelling older adults (n=86, 75 ± 6 years) discharged from rehabilitation in the previous 12 months. Basic functional independence was assessed using the Functional Independence Measure and complex functional independence was assessed using the Frenchay Activities Index. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess any association between predetermined factors and function. Results Functional Independence Measure scores and physical activity levels after being discharged accounted for 50% of the variance in basic function (R2=0.50, F=40.75, P&lt;0.001). Frenchay Activities Index scores, physical activity, age, sex and migrant status accounted for 68% of variance in complex function (R2=0.68, F=29.75, P&lt;0.001). Conclusions Clinicians are encouraged to implement strategies to improve function at discharge from rehabilitation and to promote physical activity among older people at risk of poor function following rehabilitation.

Assessment of nutritional status of community-dwelling older adults in rural North India using mini nutritional assessment-short form

Objective: challenges of geriatric populace are plentiful and vexing, malnutrition being a critical issue. We studied the burden of malnutrition and determined its association with socio-demographic factors, depression, and other health variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 162 community-dwelling older adults to screen for malnutrition using mini nutritional assessment short-form (MNA-SF). Pearson's Chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, correlation, and Multinominal logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results: Four-point nine percent older adults were malnourished and 42.6% were at risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition was higher in 60–69 years of age group (5.95%) and females (6.9%), while risk of malnutrition was high among >80 years (59.1%) and widowed (66.7%). Weight loss, decrease in food intake, dementia, stress, decreased mobility, and depression were significantly associated with malnutrition. Geriatric Depression and MNA-SF scores showed a significant negative correlation (r = −0.434). Comparison of means of MNA-SF and geriatric depression scale scores among well-nourished, at risk, and malnourished subjects showed significant difference (P < 0.001). Multinominal regression revealed that it is highly likely (P < 0.01) that the subjects were malnourished if they had body mass index <19 kg/m2, reported weight loss >3 kg or suffered from acute disease or stress in the past 3 months while the likelihood of being “at risk” increased significantly only if subjects had acute disease or stress in preceding 3 months. Conclusions: Screening with MNA-SF can help identify at low cost a sizable proportion of elderly who are malnourished and “at risk.” Timely intervention can be instrumental in preventing the progression of infirmity and reducing its catastrophic consequences.

Meaningful Activities and Psychosomatic Functions in Japanese Older Adults after Driving Cessation

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyse the differences in meaningful activities and psychosomatic function depending on the driving status of community-dwelling older adults. Data from 594 older adults were obtained, including activities meaningful to individuals and psychosomatic functions, such as grip strength, depression, cognitive function, and ability of activity. Participants were divided into active driving (n = 549) and after driving cessation (n = 45) groups. In addition, the active driving group was operationally divided into three groups: high-frequency group (n = 387), medium group (n = 119), and infrequent group (n = 42). In the after driving cessation group, grip strength, and Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence scores were significantly lower. Furthermore, the proportion of apathy and physical and social frailty was significantly higher in the after driving cessation group. Regarding meaningful activity, domestic life scores in the after driving cessation group were significantly higher than those of the active driving group. Decreased driving frequency in the active driving group was associated with weak muscle strength, lack of interest, and low activity. This study demonstrated that meaningful activity differed based on the driving status. Hence, we should support the activities of older adults who are considering driving cessation.

Contactless Sleep Monitoring for Early Detection of Health Deteriorations in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Exploratory Study.

BackgroundPopulation aging is posing multiple social and economic challenges to society. One such challenge is the social and economic burden related to increased health care expenditure caused by early institutionalizations. The use of modern pervasive computing technology makes it possible to continuously monitor the health status of community-dwelling older adults at home. Early detection of health issues through these technologies may allow for reduced treatment costs and initiation of targeted preventive measures leading to better health outcomes. Sleep is a key factor when it comes to overall health and many health issues manifest themselves with associated sleep deteriorations. Sleep quality and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea syndrome have been extensively studied using various wearable devices at home or in the setting of sleep laboratories. However, little research has been conducted evaluating the potential of contactless and continuous sleep monitoring in detecting early signs of health problems in community-dwelling older adults.ObjectiveIn this work we aim to evaluate which contactlessly measurable sleep parameter is best suited to monitor perceived and actual health status changes in older adults.MethodsWe analyzed real-world longitudinal (up to 1 year) data from 37 community-dwelling older adults including more than 6000 nights of measured sleep. Sleep parameters were recorded by a pressure sensor placed beneath the mattress, and corresponding health status information was acquired through weekly questionnaires and reports by health care personnel. A total of 20 sleep parameters were analyzed, including common sleep metrics such as sleep efficiency, sleep onset delay, and sleep stages but also vital signs in the form of heart and breathing rate as well as movements in bed. Association with self-reported health, evaluated by EuroQol visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) ratings, were quantitatively evaluated using individual linear mixed-effects models. Translation to objective, real-world health incidents was investigated through manual retrospective case-by-case analysis.ResultsUsing EQ-VAS rating based self-reported perceived health, we identified body movements in bed—measured by the number toss-and-turn events—as the most predictive sleep parameter (t score=–0.435, P value [adj]=<.001). Case-by-case analysis further substantiated this finding, showing that increases in number of body movements could often be explained by reported health incidents. Real world incidents included heart failure, hypertension, abdominal tumor, seasonal flu, gastrointestinal problems, and urinary tract infection.ConclusionsOur results suggest that nightly body movements in bed could potentially be a highly relevant as well as easy to interpret and derive digital biomarker to monitor a wide range of health deteriorations in older adults. As such, it could help in detecting health deteriorations early on and provide timelier, more personalized, and precise treatment options.