Associations Between Decision-Making Biases and Swallowing and Physical Functions in Community-Dwelling Older Adults:...

Background/Objective: In the context of global aging, maintaining daily habits such as adequate nutrition and regular exercise are essential to achieve healthy aging. Therefore, the preservation of swallowing and physical functions is fundamental. Jaw-opening force, an important swallowing function, is linked to physical function. Daily health behaviors are shaped by decision-making biases, which influence decision-making. Individuals with high procrastination tendencies may be less likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors, potentially leading to functional decline. While such tendencies are associated with general health behaviors, little is known about their associations with swallowing and physical functions among older adults. The objective of this study was to examine the associations between decision-making biases and swallowing and physical functions in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect basic information and assess decision-making biases. The jaw-opening force (swallowing function) and grip strength (physical function) were measured. Associations of decision-making biases with jaw-opening force and grip strength were examined using multivariable linear regression analysis. We further conducted sex-stratified sensitivity analyses. Results: This cross-sectional study targeted 107 community-dwelling older adults. There was a significant negative association between procrastination tendency and jaw-opening force (B = -0.715, p = 0.005), and grip strength (B = -1.552, p = 0.003), indicating that individuals with a propensity for procrastination had lower jaw-opening force and grip strength. Conclusions: Procrastination tendency may be used as an indicator to detect swallowing and physical functions. Moreover, incorporating this modifiable factor to promote behavior change may prevent functional decline. The study results highlight the significance of considering individuals' decision-making biases-particularly procrastination tendency-in clinical settings.