Trends and biopsychosocial correlates of physical disabilities among older men and women in Taiwan: examination based on ADL, IADL, mobility, and frailty

Ching-Ju Chiu; Meng-Ling Li; Chieh-Ying Chou

doi:10.1186/s12877-022-02838-6

Trends and biopsychosocial correlates of physical disabilities among older men and women in Taiwan: examination based on ADL, IADL, mobility, and frailty

BMC Geriatr. 2022 Feb 22;22(1):148. doi: 10.1186/s12877-022-02838-6.

Authors

Ching-Ju Chiu¹, Meng-Ling Li², Chieh-Ying Chou^{3

4}

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Gerontology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
² Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
³ Institute of Gerontology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. jayin0421@hotmail.com.
⁴ Department of Family Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70403, Taiwan. jayin0421@hotmail.com.

Abstract

Background: This study examines correlates of disabilities related to ADL, IADL, mobility, and frailty in men and women with a nationally representative sample of older adults living in the community.

Methods: A total of 10,898 noninstitutionalized Taiwanese nationals aged 65 years and older enrolled in the 2001 (N = 2,064), 2005 (N = 2,727), 2009 (N = 2,904), and 2013 (N = 3,203) National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were analyzed.

Results: The prevalence of mobility disabilities and frailty in older adults in Taiwan decreased during the past decade ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). Exercise, social engagement, and tea and coffee intake were found to be associated with lower levels of all types of disabilities in both men and women. In addition, a diet based on carbohydrates, falls, depressive symptomatology, lung and metabolic diseases were risks for most of the disabilities under consideration. Gender-specific independent correlates included: being married (OR = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.40-0.98), eggs/beans/fish/meat consumption (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.16-0.80); depressive symptoms, obesity and cataracts, which were associated with higher IADL (OR = 3.61, 1.63, and 1.18, respectively) and frailty limitations (OR = 10.89, 1.27, and 1.20, respectively) in women. Cognitive impairment was found to be an important correlate for ADL limitations in men (OR = 3.64, 95%CI: 2.38-5.57).

Conclusions: Exercise, social participation and diet (more tea and coffee intake and lower carbohydrates) were correlates for lower levels of disability. Some gender-specific correlates were also identified, including associations of disability with depressive symptoms, obesity, and cataracts that were more distinct in women, and lower levels of disability which were especially significant in men who were married, eat more eggs, beans, fish, and meat, and those free from cognitive impairment.

Keywords: Activities of daily living (ADL); Frailty; Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL); Mobility; National Health Interview Survey.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Accidental Falls
Activities of Daily Living
Aged
Disabled Persons*
Female
Frailty* / diagnosis
Humans
Taiwan / epidemiology