Physical Function and Health Status Predicting Mortality in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Cesari Matteo, Onder Graziano, Zamboni Valentina, Manini Todd, Shorr Ronald I, Russo Andrea, Bernabei Roberto, Pahor Marco, Landi Francesco
Primary Institution: Dipartimento di Scienze Gerontologiche, Geriatriche e Fisiatriche, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
Hypothesis
Physical function and self-rated health (SRH) measures are predictive of negative health-related events in very old persons.
Conclusion
The SPPB and SRH are strong predictors of mortality in older adults, with the chair stand test being particularly useful.
Supporting Evidence
- All tested physical function measures predicted mortality.
- The SPPB score was the strongest predictor of mortality.
- No significant interaction was found between physical function measures and SRH.
Takeaway
This study found that how well older people can move and how they feel about their health can help predict if they will live longer or not.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from 335 older adults using various physical performance tests and self-rated health assessments to predict mortality over 24 months.
Limitations
The sample size was limited, and factors not considered may explain some results.
Participant Demographics
Participants were older adults aged 80 years and older, with a mean age of 85.6 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.003 for SPPB, p = 0.03 for SRH
Confidence Interval
95%CI 0.48–0.86 for SPPB, 95%CI 0.59–0.97 for SRH
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website