Physical Health and Cognitive Function Affect Disability in Chinese Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Feng Lei, Ng Tze-Pin, He Yanling, Li Chunbo, Kua Ee-Heok, Zhang Mingyuan
Primary Institution: National University of Singapore
Hypothesis
Physical health and cognitive function independently contribute to disability among Chinese older adults living in two Asian metropolises.
Conclusion
Physical health and cognitive function independently contributed to functional disability, influenced by environmental factors.
Supporting Evidence
- The prevalence of functional disability was higher in the Shanghai sample (5%) than in the Singapore sample (1.8%).
- Chronic diseases, self-rated health status, and cognitive function significantly contributed to functional disability.
- Participants in Singapore were 32% less likely to have disability compared to those in Shanghai.
Takeaway
This study found that older Chinese adults who are not physically healthy or have poor thinking skills are more likely to need help with daily activities, and where they live can make a difference.
Methodology
Cross-sectional analysis based on data from two population-based studies: the Shanghai Survey of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia and the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study.
Potential Biases
Potential unmeasured environmental factors may influence results.
Limitations
The study design is cross-sectional, which limits causal inferences.
Participant Demographics
Participants were older Chinese adults from Shanghai and Singapore.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.22–1.50 for chronic diseases; 95% CI 2.36–3.43 for self-rated health; 95% CI 0.85–0.94 for MMSE total score; 95% CI 0.48–0.96 for environment.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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