Association between coffee consumption and functional disability in older US adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Functional disability is a significant concern in aging populations.
• The impact of coffee consumption on functional disability remains under-researched.
• Understanding modifiable lifestyle factors like coffee intake is crucial for healthy aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between coffee consumption and functional disability in older American adults.
• To explore differences in this association based on coffee type (caffeinated vs. decaffeinated).

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2016).
• Included 7704 participants aged 60 years and older.
• Assessed coffee consumption via 24-hour dietary recalls and functional disability across five domains (mobility, physical activity, social activities, ADL, IADL) through self-report.
• Employed logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline analyses.

Main Results:

• Total coffee consumption showed an inverse association with lower extremity mobility (LEM), general physical activity (GPA), leisure and social activities (LSA), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability.
• Individuals consuming ≥2 cups of total coffee daily had significantly lower odds of disability in LEM, GPA, LSA, and IADL compared to non-drinkers.
• Caffeinated coffee intake (≥2 cups/d) was linked to reduced odds of GPA, LSA, and IADL disability.
• Decaffeinated coffee intake (≥2 cups/d) was inversely associated with LEM and LSA disability.

Conclusions:

• Coffee consumption is inversely associated with functional disability in older American adults.
• The specific associations varied between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee across different functional domains.
• These findings suggest coffee intake may play a role in maintaining functional independence in later life.