Association between physical function and perceived stress among U.S. Chinese older adults

Physical function impairment can cause great stress to older adults. The purpose of the study is to investigate the association between self-reported and directly-observed physical function on perceived stress among U.S. Chinese older adults.

Data were from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE) of 3,157 Chinese older adults who were 60 and above in the Greater Chicago Area. Self-reported and directly-observed physical function measures, and Perceived Stress Scale were used.

Participants had a mean age of 72.8 ± 8.3 years old (range 60-105). Higher scores of Katz activities of daily living impairments (odds ratio [OR]=1.77), Lawton instrumental activities of daily living impartments (OR=1.10, p<0.01), Rosow-Breslau index of mobility scale (OR=1.39, p<0.05), and Nagi index of basic physical activities scale (OR=1.19, p<0.001) were associated with higher levels of perceived stress. In addition, higher scores of directly-observed physical function measurements, including chair stand (OR=0.93), tandem stand (OR=0.71, p<0.05), timed walk (OR=0.73, p<0.001), and the overall measurement (OR= 0.87, p<0.01) were associated with lower level of perceived stress.

Findings suggested that poor physical function was associated with perceived stress among U.S. Chinese older adults. Longitudinal studies are needed to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the pathways between physical function and perceived stress.

Health care professionals could provide personalized physical activity interventions to encourage older adults to engage in regular exercise in order to maintain and promote older adults' physical function and psychological well-being.