Food Insecurity and Mobility Limitations in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Usha Dhakal, Asmar Khalil El, Carlos Mendes de Leon
Primary Institution: Georgetown University
Hypothesis
The study investigates the association between food insecurity and mobility limitations among older adults.
Conclusion
Food insecurity is linked to mobility limitations in older adults, but it does not significantly contribute to the decline in mobility over time.
Supporting Evidence
- Food insecurity is associated with cognitive impairment and poor mental health.
- Older adults had difficulty performing at least one mobility task at baseline.
- Mobility limitations score increased by 0.5 points per year on average.
Takeaway
If older people don't have enough food, they might have trouble moving around, but not having enough food doesn't make their movement problems worse over time.
Methodology
Weighted generalized linear models were used to analyze data from the Health and Retirement Study.
Limitations
The role of food insecurity in the continued decline of mobility over time was small and not statistically significant.
Participant Demographics
Older adults from the Health and Retirement Study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<.0001
Confidence Interval
[.15,.23]
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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