A poor appetite or ability to eat and its association with physical function amongst community-dwelling older adults: age, gene/environment susceptibility-Reykjavik study

Milan Chang (), Olof G. Geirsdottir, Lenore J. Launer, Vilmundur Gudnasson, Marjolein Visser and Ingibjorg Gunnarsdottir
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Milan Chang: Landspitali University Hospital and University of Iceland
Olof G. Geirsdottir: University of Iceland
Lenore J. Launer: National Institute of Health
Vilmundur Gudnasson: Icelandic Heart Association
Marjolein Visser: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Ingibjorg Gunnarsdottir: University of Iceland

European Journal of Ageing, 2021, vol. 18, issue 3, No 11, 405-415

Abstract: Abstract A poor appetite or ability to eat and its association with physical function have not been explored considerably amongst community-dwelling older adults. The current study examined whether having an illness or physical condition affecting one’s appetite or ability to eat is associated with body composition, muscle strength, or physical function amongst community-dwelling older adults. This is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the age, gene/environment susceptibility-Reykjavik study (n = 5764). Illnesses or physical conditions affecting one’s appetite or ability to eat, activities of daily living, current level of physical activity, and smoking habits were assessed with a questionnaire. Fat mass, fat-free mass, body mass index, knee extension strength, and grip strength were measured, and the 6-m walk test and timed up-and-go test were administered. Individuals who reported illnesses or physical conditions affecting their appetite or ability to eat were considered to have a poor appetite. The associations of appetite or the ability to eat with body composition and physical function were analysed with stepwise linear regression models. A total of 804 (14%) individuals reported having conditions affecting their appetite or ability to eat and had a significantly lower fat-free mass and body mass index, less grip strength, and poorer physical function than did those without any conditions affecting their appetite or ability to eat. Although the factors reported to affect one’s appetite or ability to eat are seldom considered severe, their strong associations with physical function suggest that any condition affecting one’s appetite or ability to eat requires attention.

Keywords: Ageing; Appetite; Body composition; Muscle strength; Physical function (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1007/s10433-020-00588-1

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