Examination of the healthy aging center data

This study aimed to characterize the health, functional, cognitive, nutritional, and psychological profiles of very old adults (≥ 80 years) enrolled in a community-based Healthy Aging Center (HAC) program.

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among community-dwelling individuals aged ≥ 80 years who completed home-based interviews between October 2023 and March 2024. Participants were assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Lawton-Brody Instrumental ADL (IADL), Mini-Cog, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF), Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Sit-to-Stand (STS) tests. Descriptive analyses, bivariate group comparisons (χ² and t-tests), and correlation analyses were performed. Missing data were reported for each scale, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to minimize bias.

A total of 337 participants (mean age 85.3 ± 4.5 years; 51.9% women) were included. Based on the CFS, 27.9% (n = 94) were classified as vulnerable, 20.8% (n = 70) as mildly frail, and 18.1% (n = 61) as moderately frail. According to the Katz ADL, 61.7% were partially dependent and 37.4% fully independent; similar patterns were observed with Lawton IADL. Cognitive impairment was more prevalent in women (57.3% vs. 32.6%, p < 0.001), who also had higher rates of depression (p < 0.001), frailty (p = 0.011), and functional dependence. Men demonstrated better mobility performance on the TUG and STS (p = 0.004). Depressive symptoms correlated with both poorer health status (r = 0.421, p < 0.001) and malnutrition risk (r = - 0.364, p < 0.001). Malnutrition was associated with greater frailty (p = 0.022) and depression (p < 0.001). Dementia was more common in the oldest participants (p = 0.005), particularly those with neurological conditions (p = 0.035).

Frailty, malnutrition, cognitive impairment, and depressive symptoms were frequent among community-dwelling very old adults, particularly women. These cross-sectional findings emphasize the need for multidisciplinary and gender-sensitive strategies within HACs to support functional independence and mental well-being. Longitudinal and multivariate studies are warranted to confirm these associations.