Air Pollution and Performance-Based Physical Functioning in Dutch Older Adults
Femke de Zwart1, Bert Brunekreef2,3, Erik Timmermans4,5,6
1Department of Environmental Health, Communal Health Service for the Province of Utrecht, Zeist, Netherlands.
Environmental Health Perspectives
|January 25, 2018
Summary
Exposure to air pollution, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), is linked to poorer physical performance in older adults. This study found no significant association with self-reported limitations or long-term decline in physical function.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Functional limitations are a primary driver of care needs and institutionalization in older adults.
- Growing evidence suggests a link between air pollution exposure and increased functional limitations in the elderly population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between exposure to various air pollutants and physical functioning in older adults residing in the Netherlands.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 1,762 participants in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (2005-2012).
- Assessed performance-based (walking speed, chair rise, etc.) and self-reported physical functioning.
- Estimated annual average outdoor air pollution concentrations (NO2, NOx, PM2.5, PM10, PMcoarse, PM2.5 absorbance) using land-use regression models.
Main Results:
- Exposure to most air pollutants was associated with reduced performance-based physical functioning.
- An interquartile range increase in NO2 exposure correlated with a 0.22 lower performance test score.
- No statistically significant association was found between air pollution exposure and self-reported functional limitations or a faster decline in performance.
Conclusions:
- Air pollution exposure may negatively impact the physical performance of older adults in the Netherlands.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and long-term effects.
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