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Baek W, Min A, Ji Y, Park CG, Kang M. Impact of activity limitations due to fear of falling on changes in frailty in Korean older adults: a longitudinal study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19121. [PMID: 39155281 PMCID: PMC11330968 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69930-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the frailty change patterns among Korean older adults during 2006-2020 and the effect of activity limitations induced by the fear of falling (FOF) on these patterns. We employed a descriptive longitudinal design utilizing data from Waves 1 to 8 of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. The exclusion criteria were a baseline age < 65 years, frailty index (FI) captured only at baseline, and death or unknown survival status. Multilevel modeling, combining regression equations at two levels, was used to examine the effect of activity limitations due to FOF on frailty, adjusting for other confounding factors. An increase in FI (1.97; p < .001) was demonstrated in participants who had experienced falls versus those who had not in the past 2 years. Notably, those facing activity limitations due to FOF exhibited a more significant increase in FI (4.62; p < .001) compared with those without; frailty progression intensified over time in the former (0.54, p < .001). Activity limitations due to FOF had a more pronounced impact on frailty than falls; moreover, these activity limitations accelerated the progression of frailty. Healthcare providers must prioritize addressing FOF by employing both physical and psychological interventions to mitigate activity limitations and ultimately decelerate frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonhee Baek
- College of Nursing, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Ari Min
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yoonjung Ji
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
- Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chang Gi Park
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Minkyung Kang
- College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Ajou University, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, South Korea.
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Pitkälä KH, Aalto UL, Roitto HM, Öhman HR, Lehti TL, Knuutila MT, Kautiainen H, Tilvis R, Strandberg TE. Secular trends in frailty among community-dwelling 75-95-year-old cohorts over three decades in Helsinki, Finland. Age Ageing 2024; 53:afae172. [PMID: 39140371 PMCID: PMC11322735 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frailty Index (FI) reflects health, functioning and well-being of older people. It is valuable to compare how frailty has changed over time in ageing cohorts. This study aims to examine trends in frailty among 75-95-year-old men and women over three decades. METHODS The Helsinki Ageing Study started in 1989 and includes repeated cross-sectional postal surveys every 10 years examining community-dwelling cohorts of older people (75, 80, 85, 90 and 95 years). FI comprises the same 36 items in each cohort. RESULTS The mean FI was 0.22 (SD 0.12), 0.25 (SD 0.15), 0.26 (SD 0.15) and 0.23 (SD 0.15) in 1989, 1999, 2009 and 2019, respectively (P for linearity for crude values .11). Adjusted for age and sex, the four cohorts differed in their frailty the 2019 cohort having the lowest FI. This sex-adjusted difference was seen among 75-, 80-, 85- and 90-year-olds but not among 95-year-olds. FI decreased more among men than women (P for cohort <.001, P for sex <.01, P for interaction = .19). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of frailty among community-dwelling individuals aged 75, 80, 85 and 90 years-but not among those aged 95 years-has significantly decreased over the last decades. This positive trend may have important implications for health policies in societies with increasing longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaisu H Pitkälä
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Unit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ulla L Aalto
- Geriatric Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna-Maria Roitto
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Unit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Geriatric Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna R Öhman
- Geriatric Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuuli L Lehti
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Unit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mia T Knuutila
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Unit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Kautiainen
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Unit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Reijo Tilvis
- Geriatric Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo E Strandberg
- Geriatric Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Marroig A, Massa F, Robitaille A, Hofer SM, Stolz E, Muniz-Terrera G. Longitudinal Quantiles of Frailty Trajectories Considering Death: New Insights into Sex and Cohort Differences in the Reference Curves for Frailty Progression of Older European. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2024; 79:glae060. [PMID: 38394173 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glae060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most previous studies of frailty trajectories in older adults focus on the average trajectory and ignore death. Longitudinal quantile analysis of frailty trajectories permits the definition of reference curves, and the application of mortal cohort inference provides more realistic estimates than models that ignore death. METHODS Using data from individuals aged 65 or older (n = 25 446) from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) from 2004 to 2020, we derived repeated values of the Frailty Index (FI) based on the accumulation of health deficits. We applied weighted Generalized Estimating Equations to estimate the quantiles of the FI trajectory, adjusting for sample attrition due to death, sex, education, and cohort. RESULTS The FI quantiles increased with age and progressed faster for those with the highest level of frailty (β^a0.9 = 0.0229, p < .001; β^a0.5 = 0.0067, p < .001; H0: βa0.5=βa0.9, p < .001). Education was consistently associated with a slower progression of the FI in all quantiles (β^ae0.1 = -0.0001, p < .001; β^ae0.5 =-0.0004, p < .001; β^ae0.9 = -0.0003, p < .001) but sex differences varied across the quantiles. Women with the highest level of frailty showed a slower progression of the FI than men when considering death. Finally, no cohort effects were observed for the FI progression. CONCLUSIONS Quantile FI trajectories varied by age, sex, education, and cohort. These differences could inform the practice of interventions aimed at older adults with the highest level of frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Marroig
- Instituto de Estadística, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Fernando Massa
- Instituto de Estadística, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Annie Robitaille
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Perley Health Centre of Excellence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott M Hofer
- Pacific Health Research and Education Institute, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Erwin Stolz
- Medical University of Graz, Graz, Styria, Austria
| | - Graciela Muniz-Terrera
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Rodrigues EA, Christie GJ, Cosco T, Farzan F, Sixsmith A, Moreno S. A Subtype Perspective on Cognitive Trajectories in Healthy Aging. Brain Sci 2024; 14:351. [PMID: 38672003 PMCID: PMC11048421 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive aging is a complex and dynamic process characterized by changes due to genetics and environmental factors, including lifestyle choices and environmental exposure, which contribute to the heterogeneity observed in cognitive outcomes. This heterogeneity is particularly pronounced among older adults, with some individuals maintaining stable cognitive function while others experience complex, non-linear changes, making it difficult to identify meaningful decline accurately. Current research methods range from population-level modeling to individual-specific assessments. In this work, we review these methodologies and propose that population subtyping should be considered as a viable alternative. This approach relies on early individual-specific detection methods that can lead to an improved understanding of changes in individual cognitive trajectories. The improved understanding of cognitive trajectories through population subtyping can lead to the identification of meaningful changes and the determination of timely, effective interventions. This approach can aid in informing policy decisions and in developing targeted interventions that promote cognitive health, ultimately contributing to a more personalized understanding of the aging process within society and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma A. Rodrigues
- School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC V3T 0A3, Canada
| | | | - Theodore Cosco
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3, Canada
| | - Faranak Farzan
- School of Mechatronics and Systems Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC V3T 0A3, Canada
| | - Andrew Sixsmith
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3, Canada
| | - Sylvain Moreno
- School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC V3T 0A3, Canada
- Circle Innovation, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC V3T 0A3, Canada
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Lewis NA, Hill PL. Sense of purpose in life and allostatic load in two longitudinal cohorts. J Psychosom Res 2023; 170:111346. [PMID: 37148605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sense of purpose in life has been linked with better physical health, longevity, and reduced risk for disability and dementia, but the mechanisms linking sense of purpose with diverse health outcomes are unclear. Sense of purpose may promote better physiological regulation in response to stressors and health challenges, leading to lower allostatic load and disease risk over time. The current study examined the association between sense of purpose in life and allostatic load over time in adults over age 50. METHODS Data from the nationally representative US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) were used to examine associations between sense of purpose and allostatic load across 8 and 12 years of follow-up, respectively. Blood-based and anthropometric biomarkers were collected at four-year intervals and used to compute allostatic load scores based on clinical cut-off values representing low, moderate, and high risk. RESULTS Population-weighted multilevel models revealed that sense of purpose in life was associated with lower overall levels of allostatic load in HRS, but not in ELSA after adjusting for relevant covariates. Sense of purpose in life did not predict rate of change in allostatic load in either sample. CONCLUSIONS The present investigation supports sense of purpose predicting preserved differentiation of allostatic regulation, with more purposeful individuals demonstrating consistently lower allostatic load over time. Persistent differences in allostatic burden may account for divergent health trajectories between individuals low and high in sense of purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Lewis
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
| | - Patrick L Hill
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Dent E, Daly RM, Hoogendijk EO, Scott D. Exercise to Prevent and Manage Frailty and Fragility Fractures. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2023; 21:205-215. [PMID: 36976491 PMCID: PMC10105671 DOI: 10.1007/s11914-023-00777-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review identifies exercise-based recommendations to prevent and manage frailty and fragility fractures from current clinical practice guidelines. We also critically assess recently published literature in relation to exercise interventions to mitigate frailty and fragility fractures. RECENT FINDINGS Most guidelines presented similar recommendations that included the prescription of individually tailored, multicomponent exercise programs, discouragement of prolonged sitting and inactivity, and combining exercise with optimal nutrition. To target frailty, guidelines recommend supervised progressive resistance training (PRT). For osteoporosis and fragility fractures, exercise should include weight-bearing impact activities and PRT to target bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and spine, and also incorporate balance and mobility training, posture exercises, and functional exercise relevant to activities of daily living to reduce falls risk. Walking as a singular intervention has limited benefits for frailty and fragility fracture prevention and management. Current evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for frailty, osteoporosis, and fracture prevention recommend a multifaceted and targeted approach to optimise muscle mass, strength, power, and functional mobility as well as BMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Dent
- Research Centre for Public Health, Equity & Human Flourishing, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA Australia
| | - Robin M. Daly
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Emiel O. Hoogendijk
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam UMC - Location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC - Location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Ageing and Later Life Research Program, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David Scott
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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Mak JKL, Kuja-Halkola R, Bai G, Hassing LB, Pedersen NL, Hägg S, Jylhävä J, Reynolds CA. Genetic and Environmental Influences on Longitudinal Frailty Trajectories From Adulthood into Old Age. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2023; 78:333-341. [PMID: 36124734 PMCID: PMC9951061 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glac197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frailty is a complex, dynamic geriatric condition, but limited evidence has shown how genes and environment may contribute to its longitudinal changes. We sought to investigate sources of individual differences in the longitudinal trajectories of frailty, considering potential selection bias when including a sample of oldest-old twins. METHODS Data were from 2 Swedish twin cohort studies: a younger cohort comprising 1 842 adults aged 29-96 years followed up to 15 waves, and an older cohort comprising 654 adults aged ≥79 years followed up to 5 waves. Frailty was measured using the frailty index (FI). Age-based latent growth curve models were used to examine longitudinal trajectories, and extended to a biometric analysis to decompose variability into genetic and environmental etiologies. RESULTS A bilinear model with an inflection point at age 75 best described the data, indicating a fourfold to fivefold faster FI increase after 75 years. Twins from the older cohort had significantly higher mean FI at baseline but slower rate of increase afterward. FI level at age 75 was moderately heritable in both men (42%) and women (55%). Genetic influences were relatively stable across age for men and increasing for women, although the most salient amplification in FI variability after age 75 was due to individual-specific environmental influences for both men and women; conclusions were largely consistent when excluding the older cohort. CONCLUSION Increased heterogeneity of frailty in late life is mainly attributable to environmental influences, highlighting the importance of targeting environmental risk factors to mitigate frailty in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan K L Mak
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ralf Kuja-Halkola
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ge Bai
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda B Hassing
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Ageing and Health, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nancy L Pedersen
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Hägg
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juulia Jylhävä
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Faculty of Social Sciences (Health Sciences) and Gerontology Research Center (GEREC), University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Chandra A Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
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Hoogendijk EO, Dent E. Trajectories, Transitions, and Trends in Frailty among Older Adults: A Review. Ann Geriatr Med Res 2022; 26:289-295. [PMID: 36503183 PMCID: PMC9830071 DOI: 10.4235/agmr.22.0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Frailty is an age-related clinical state associated with deterioration across multiple physiological systems and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality later in life. To understand how frailty develops and what causes its progression, longitudinal data with repeated frailty measurements are required. This review summarizes evidence from longitudinal studies on frailty trajectories, transitions, and trends. We identified several consistent findings: frailty increases with aging and is a dynamic condition, and more recent generations of older adults have higher frailty levels. These findings have both clinical and public health relevance, including the provision of healthcare and aged care services in the coming years. Further studies are required, particularly those conducted in low- and middle-income countries and those investigating factors associated with changes in frailty. The latter may help develop better-targeted interventions to reverse or slow the progression of frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiel O. Hoogendijk
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Aging and Later Life Research Program, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elsa Dent
- Research Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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