Association Between Functional Measures and Mortality in Older Persons

Abstract

Background: Functional limitations may be a mortality risk among older people. The aim of this work is to determine if body composition and strength are risk factors related to mortality in older Chilean people. Methods: In a retrospective study, 306 independent elderly Chileans (age: 61–91 years) were followed for a median of 7.2 years. Baseline information was obtained, including gender, living conditions, smoking and drinking habits, educational status, history of chronic diseases, cognitive function, and depression. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Functionality was assessed by determining isometric handgrip strength and 12-minute walking capacity. The associations between all of these parameters and mortality were assessed using univariate and multivariate models. Results: During follow-up, 23 (30.7%) male and 34 (14.7%) female participants died (p < 0.01). Univariate analysis showed that left handgrip strength, total lean mass, and solitary living have significant associations with mortality in men, whereas 12-minute walking capacity is associated with mortality in women. According to the Weibull multivariate analysis, walking capacity was significantly associated with mortality in women, while only age and total lean mass were predictors of mortality in men. The mortality hazard ratio for women allocated to the first quartile of walking capacity was 2.72 (95% CI: 1.33–5.54), and the mortality hazard ratio for men allocated to the first quartile of total lean mass was 3.28 (95% CI: 1.43–7.54). Conclusion: Low muscle mass and reduced walking capacity are associated with a higher risk of mortality in older men and women, respectively.

Keywords

• elderly
• mortality
• strength
• walking