Obesity's effects on the onset of functional impairment among older adults.

TitleObesity's effects on the onset of functional impairment among older adults.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2004
AuthorsJenkins, KRahrig
JournalGerontologist
Volume44
Issue2
Pagination206-16
Date Published2004 Apr
ISSN Number0016-9013
Call Numberpubs_2004_Jenkins_Geron.pdf
KeywordsActivities of Daily Living, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Body Weight, Chronic disease, Disabled Persons, Exercise, Female, Humans, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Motor Activity, Movement, Obesity, Risk-Taking, United States
Abstract

PURPOSE: This study has two purposes. First, it determines if there is a relationship between body weight and the onset of functional impairment across time among this sample of older adults. More specifically, it examines if obese older adults are more likely to experience the onset of functional impairment. Second, it explores how health behaviors and health conditions may explain the relationship between body weight and the onset of functional impairment.

DESIGN AND METHODS: With the use of longitudinal data from the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) survey, logistic regression models on the onset of functional impairment over two time points are estimated for older adults.

RESULTS: Results indicate that body weight (more specifically being overweight or obese) makes one more likely to experience the onset of functional impairment across various domains of impairment. Outside of health behaviors and health conditions, obesity has an independent effect on the onset of impairment in strength, lower body mobility, and activities of daily living.

IMPLICATIONS: Study findings support the active treatment of weight problems in older adults. Future directions for research in this area should address effective weight management interventions targeting issues related to older individuals.

DOI10.1093/geront/44.2.206
User Guide Notes

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15075417?dopt=Abstract

Endnote Keywords

Obesity/Health Status--ADL limitations

Endnote ID

12502

Alternate JournalGerontologist
Citation Key6915
PubMed ID15075417
Grant List5T32 AG 00221 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States