Predicting changes in physical performance in a high-functioning elderly cohort: MacArthur studies of successful...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Biomedical Geriatrics

Background:

• Examined performance-based measures of physical performance in a high-functioning older cohort.
• Investigated relationships between baseline physical performance and sociodemographic/health status.
• Described three-year changes in performance and identified predictors of change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine physical performance in a high-functioning older cohort.
• To identify sociodemographic and health status predictors of physical performance changes over three years.
• To understand patterns of performance decline and improvement for successful aging.

Main Methods:

• Recruited a cohort of men and women aged 70-79 in 1988 based on physical and cognitive function.
• Conducted baseline in-home assessments including physical performance tests, sociodemographic, and health status measures.
• Repeated in-home assessments in 1991, developing a summary physical performance measure from balance, gait, strength, coordination, and dexterity tests.

Main Results:

• Better baseline physical performance was associated with being male, White, higher income/education, and fewer chronic conditions.
• Declines in performance were predicted by older age, lower income, higher education, relative weight, blood pressure, lower peak expiratory flow, diabetes, and incident health conditions/hospitalizations.
• Performance improvements were observed, significantly associated only with being Black.

Conclusions:

• Physical performance declines in high-functioning older adults are predictable using sociodemographic and health characteristics.
• Observed patterns of both decline and improvement suggest aging is not uniformly associated with performance loss.
• Findings indicate potential for interventions to promote more successful aging.