Health Outcomes Comparison in Japanese Seniors
Author Information
Author(s): Wang Can, Gondo Yasuyuki, Nakagawa Takeshi, Masui Yukie, Kamide Kei, Kasuga Ayaka, Yasumoto Saori, Ogawa Madoka
Primary Institution: Osaka University
Hypothesis
Has the health status of older adults living in the community continued to improve over the past decade?
Conclusion
The later cohort of 70-year-olds exhibited better physical health outcomes but lower mental health compared to the earlier cohort.
Supporting Evidence
- The later cohort showed 21.08% higher grip strength.
- The later cohort had 13.65% higher gait speed.
- The later cohort exhibited 7.02% higher chair-seated stepping.
- The later cohort scored 7.93% higher on the MOCA-J cognitive assessment.
- The later cohort reported higher levels of social support.
- The later cohort had higher perceived health.
- Mental health was lower in the later cohort compared to the earlier cohort.
Takeaway
Older people today are generally healthier than those from ten years ago, but their mental health might not be as good.
Methodology
Cohort comparison study using data from two groups of community-dwelling older adults assessed on physical, mental, social, and cognitive health.
Limitations
The study may not fully capture the reasons for the observed decline in mental health.
Participant Demographics
Community-dwelling older adults aged 69 to 71 years from two cohorts born in 2010 and 2023.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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