Association between eating alone and motor function among community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19...

This study examined the association between motor function and dietary environment, depressive symptoms, cognitive function, and nutritional status during the stay-at-home period due to COVID-19 in community-dwelling older adults.

The questionnaire survey was conducted from 1 March to 24 April 2021, when the state of emergency by COVID-19 was lifted. A questionnaire was distributed to 900 community-dwelling older adults whose residence was known by the Social Welfare Council, which is responsible for community welfare, and the Community General Support Center, which provides comprehensive support for older adults. Of the 400 participants, 237 (mean age 73.1 ± 6.0 years) were analysed, excluding 66 with missing data, 45 with suspected cognitive decline (Dementia Assessment Sheet for Community-based Integrated Care System-8 items [DASC-8] score of ≥ 11), 9 with neurological or mental problems (according to Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form [MNA®-SF]), and 43 who needed support or long-term care. Motor function was verified using the Motor Fitness Scale (MFS). MFS scores of ≤ 11 and ≤ 9 for males and females, respectively, were assigned to participants in the low MFS group (n = 65) and others in the normal MFS group (n = 172). We collected questionnaire data regarding the presence or absence of eating alone, nutritional status (MNA®-SF), DASC-8 (cognitive function), and 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (depressive symptoms). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with low MFS.

The low MFS group had a significantly lower proportion of patients aged ≥ 75 years (P = 0.001, Cramer's V = 0.215), a higher proportion of eating alone (P = 0.052, Cramer's V = 0.135), and participants assessed as at risk of malnutrition using the MNA®-SF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that eating alone (odds ratio [OR]: 4.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39-11.99) was independently associated with low MFS. The risk of malnutrition as assessed using MNA®-SF was associated with MFS, although it was not a significant factor (OR: 2.27, 95%CI: 0.96-5.38).

Eating alone was independently associated with low motor function in community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. We proposed providing opportunities to eat together as a highly feasible intervention measure to reduce motor function decline in community-dwelling older adults.