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Background/objectivesPoor appetite in older adults leads to sub-optimal food intake and increases the risk of undernutrition. The impact of poor appetite on food intake in older adults is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in food intake among older community-dwelling adults with different reported appetite levels.DesignCross-sectional analysis of data from a longitudinal prospective study.SettingHealth, aging, and body composition study performed in the USA.Participants2,597 community-dwelling adults aged 70-79.MeasurementsA semi-quantitative, interviewer-administered, 108-item food frequency questionnaire designed to estimate dietary intake. Poor appetite was defined as the report of a moderate, poor, or very poor appetite in the past month and was compared with good or very good appetite.ResultsThe mean age of the study sample was 74.5 ± 2.8 years; 48.2% were men, 37.7% were black, and 21.8% reported a poor appetite. After adjustment for total energy intake and potential confounders (including biting/chewing problems), participants with a poor appetite had a significantly lower consumption of protein and dietary fiber, solid foods, protein rich foods, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, but a higher consumption of dairy foods, fats, oils, sweets, and sodas compared to participants with very good appetite. In addition, they were less likely to report consumption of significant larger portion sizes.ConclusionOlder adults reporting a poor appetite showed a different dietary intake pattern compared to those with (very) good appetite. Better understanding of the specific dietary intake pattern related to a poor appetite in older adults can be used for nutrition interventions to enhance food intake, diet variety, and diet quality.

ObjectivesTo determine whether lifestyle factors, measured late in life, could compress the disabled period toward the end of life.DesignCommunity-based cohort study of older adults followed from 1989 to 2015.SettingFour U.S. communities.ParticipantsCommunity-living men and women aged 65 and older (N = 5,248, mean age 72.7 ± 5.5, 57% female, 15.2% minority) who were not wheelchair dependent and were able to give informed consent at baseline.MeasurementsMultiple lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diet, body mass index (BMI), social networks, and social support, were measured at baseline. Activities of daily living (ADLs) were assessed at baseline and throughout follow-up. Years of life (YoL) was defined as years until death. Years of able life (YAL) was defined as years without any ADL difficulty. YAL/YoL%, the proportion of life lived able, was used to indicate the relative compression or expansion of the disabled period.ResultsThe average duration of disabled years was 4.5 (out of 15.4 mean YoL) for women and 2.9 (out of 12.4 mean YoL) for men. In a multivariable model, obesity was associated with 7.3 percentage points (95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.4-9.2) lower YAL/YoL% than normal weight. Scores in the lowest quintile of the Alternate Healthy Eating Index were associated with a 3.7% (95% CI = 1.6-5.9) lower YAL/YoL% than scores in the highest quintile. Every 25 blocks walked in a week was associated with 0.5 percentage points (95% CI = 0.3-0.8) higher YAL/YoL%.ConclusionThe effects of healthy lifestyle factors on the proportion of future life lived free of disability indicate that the disabled period can be compressed, given the right combination of these factors.

Background: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), the gold‐standard method to quantify cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), is not always feasible due to cost, access, and burden. The usual‐paced 400 m long distance corridor walk (LDCW), a measure of mobility among older adults, may provide an alternate method to assess CRF. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an estimating equation to estimate VO2peak from average 400 m walking speed (WS) among participants in the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA). Methods: At baseline, women (58%) and men age 70 years and older enrolled in SOMMA (N = 820, 76.2 ± 4.9 years, 86% Non‐Hispanic White) completed a 400 m LDCW (400 m WS = 400 m/completion time in seconds) and symptom‐limited maximal CPET (Modified Balke Protocol). VO2peak (mL/kg/min) was considered the highest 30‐second average oxygen consumption during CPET. Other covariates included: age, sex, race, physical activity (7‐day wrist‐worn accelerometer), physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery, range 0–12), perceived physical fatigability (Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale, range 0–50), and Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE, range 6–20) at completion of the 400 m LDCW. Stepwise linear regression was used. Internal validation was completed using data‐splitting method (70%; 30%). Results: Mean VO2peak was 20.2 ± 4.8 mL/kg/min and mean 400 m WS was 1.06 ± 0.2 m/s. Each 0.05 m/s increment in 400 m WS was associated with a 0.40 mL/kg/min higher VO2peak after covariate adjustment. An estimating equation including 400 m WS, age, sex, race, and RPE was developed. Internal validation showed low overall bias (−0.26) and strong correlation (r = 0.71) between predicted and measured VO2peak values. Bland–Altman plot and regression analyses indicated predicted VO2peak was an acceptable alternative, despite mean underestimation of 4.53 mL/kg/min among the highly fit. Conclusions: Usual‐paced 400 m LDCW strongly correlates with direct measures of CRF during CPET in older adults with lower fitness and can be used to test both fitness and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesTo ascertain whether older adults with extensive disease but relative vigor (adapters) shorten the period at the end of life in which they live with morbidity (compress morbidity).DesignProspective, community-based cohort study in four U.S. cities.SettingCardiovascular Health Study.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older.MeasurementsParticipants were categorized into three groups according to extent of disease (assessed noninvasively), vigor, and frailty (expected agers (n = 3,528, extent of disease similar to vigor and frailty-reference group), adapters (n = 882, higher disease but vigorous), and prematurely frail (n = 855, lower disease but frail)) and compared according to years of able life (YAL), years of self-reported healthy life (YHL), and mortality using multivariable regression and survival analysis.ResultsAfter adjustment, adapters had 0.97 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.60-1.33) more YAL and 0.54 (95% CI = 0.19-0.90) more YHL than expected agers, and those who were prematurely frail had -0.99 (95% CI = -1.36 to -0.62) fewer YAL and -0.53 (95% CI = -0.89 to -0.17) fewer YHL than expected agers. Adapters had 0.9 more and prematurely frail had 1.5 fewer years of total life than expected agers (P

ObjectivesTo examine body mass index (BMI) trajectories with change in lean mass and physical function in old age.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingHealth, Aging and Body Composition Study.ParticipantsBlack and white men (n = 482) and women (n = 516) aged 73.1 ± 2.7 and initially free of disability.MeasurementsA group-based trajectory model was used to determine BMI trajectories, the path a person's BMI followed over 9 years. Lean mass, gait speed, grip strength, and knee extension strength were assessed at baseline and after 9 years, and relative changes were calculated. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine associations between trajectories and relative change in lean mass and physical function.ResultsFour BMI trajectories were identified for men and four for women. Although all demonstrated a decline in BMI, the rate of decline differed according to trajectory for women only. Men in Trajectory 4 (mean BMI at baseline 33.9 ± 2.3 kg/m(2) ) declined more than those in Trajectory 1 (mean BMI at baseline 22.9 ± 1.6 kg/m(2) ) in gait speed (-9.91%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -15.15% to -4.67%) and leg strength (-8.63%, 95% CI = -15.62% to -1.64%). Women in Trajectory 4 (mean BMI at baseline 34.9 ± 3.0 kg/m(2) ) had greater losses than those in Trajectory 1 (mean BMI at baseline 20.5 ± 1.6 kg/m(2) ) in lean mass in the arms (-3.19%, 95% CI = -6.16% to -0.23%). No other associations were observed.ConclusionObese men had the highest risk of decline in physical function despite similar weight loss between trajectories, whereas overweight and obese women who lost the most weight had the greatest risk of lean mass loss. The weight at which a person enters old age is informative for predicting loss in lean mass and physical function, illustrating the importance of monitoring weight.

ObjectivesTo determine the association between hearing impairment (HI) and risk and duration of hospitalization in community-dwelling older adults in the United States.DesignProspective observational study.SettingHealth, Aging and Body Composition Study.ParticipantsWell-functioning community-dwelling white and black Medicare beneficiaries aged 70 to 79 at study enrollment in 1997-98 were followed for a median of 12 years.MeasurementsIncidence, annual rate, and duration of hospitalization were the primary outcomes. Hearing was defined as the pure-tone average (PTA) of hearing thresholds in decibels re: hearing level (dB HL) at octave frequencies from 0.5 to 4.0 kHz. Mild HI was defined as a PTA from 25 to 40 dB HL, and moderate or greater HI was defined as a PTA greater than 40 dB HL.ResultsOf the 2,148 participants included in the analysis, 1,801 (83.5%) experienced one or more hospitalizations, with 7,007 adjudicated hospitalization events occurring during the study period. Eight hundred eighty-two (41.1%) participants had normal hearing, 818 (38.1%) had mild HI, and 448 (20.9%) had moderate or greater HI. After adjusting for demographic characteristics and cardiovascular comorbidities, persons with mild HI experienced a 16% (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.29) greater risk of incident hospitalization and a 17% (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.04-1.32) greater annual rate of hospitalization, and those with moderate or greater HI experienced a 21% (HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.06-1.38) greater risk of incident hospitalization and a 19% (IRR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.04-1.38) greater annual rate of hospitalization than persons with normal hearing. There was no significant association between HI and mean duration of hospitalization.ConclusionHearing-impaired older adults experience a greater incidence and annual rate of hospitalization than those with normal hearing. Investigating whether rehabilitative therapies could affect the risk of hospitalization in older adults requires further study.

ObjectivesTo examine the association between statin use and objectively assessed decline in gait speed in community-dwelling older adults.DesignLongitudinal cohort study.SettingHealth, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study.ParticipantsTwo thousand five participants aged 70-79 at baseline with medication and gait speed data at 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2001-02, and 2002-03.MeasurementsThe independent variables were any statin use and their standardized daily doses (low, moderate, high) and lipophilicity. The primary outcome measure was decline in gait speed of 0.1 m/s or more in the following year of statin use. Multivariable generalized estimating equations were used, adjusting for demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, health status, and access to health care.ResultsStatin use increased from 16.2% in 1998-99 to 25.6% in 2002-03. The overall proportions of those with decline in gait speed of 0.1 m/s or more increased from 22.2% in 1998 to 23.9% in 2003. Statin use was not associated with decline in gait speed of 0.1 m/s or more (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.77-1.06). Similar nonsignificant trends were also seen with the use of hydrophilic or lipophilic statins. Users of low-dose statins were found to have a 22% lower risk of decline in gait speed than nonusers (AOR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.61-0.99), which was mainly driven by the results from 1999-2000 follow-up.ConclusionThese results suggest that statin use did not increase decline in gait speed in community-dwelling older adults.

ObjectivesTo examine whether older adults taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) decreased the underuse of gastroprotective agents over time.DesignBefore-and-after study.SettingHealth, Aging and Body Composition Study.ParticipantsDaily users of a NSAID (prescription and over the counter (OTC)) at visits in 2002-03 (preperiod; n = 404) and 2006-07 (postperiod; n = 172). The sample had a mean ± standard deviation age of 78.2 ± 2.7 at the preperiod visit and 81.9 ± 2.7 at the postperiod visit. The majority were white and female and had 12 or more years of education.MeasurementsUnderusers were defined as persons taking nonselective NSAIDs who were at risk of peptic ulcer disease (PUD; because of current warfarin or glucocorticoid use or history of PUD) and not using a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or persons taking cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) selective NSAIDs and aspirin who were at risk of PUD (having at least one risk factor) and not using a PPI.ResultsDaily NSAID use decreased from 17.6% to 11.3% (P < .001), and gastroprotective agent underuse decreased from 23.5% to 15.1% (P = .008). Controlling for important covariates, having prescription insurance was somewhat protective against underuse in the preperiod (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.46-1.34; P = .37), but more so and significantly in the postperiod (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.18-0.93; P = .03). Having prescription insurance was more protective in the post- than in the preperiod (less gastroprotective agent underuse; adjusted ratio of OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.22-1.29; P = .16), but this increased protection was not statistically significant.ConclusionIn older daily NSAID users at high risk of PUD, having prescription insurance and adequate gastroprotective use was more common in the post- than in the preperiod.

ObjectivesTo determine the contribution of gradations of subclinical vascular disease (SVD) to the likelihood of longer survival and to determine what allows some individuals with SVD to live longer.DesignCohort study.SettingCardiovascular Health Study.ParticipantsIndividuals born between June 30, 1918, and June 30, 1921 (N = 2,082; aged 70-75 at baseline (1992-93)).MeasurementsA SVD index was scored as 0 for no abnormalities, 1 for mild abnormalities, and 2 for severe abnormalities on ankle-arm index, electrocardiogram, and common carotid intima-media thickness measured at baseline. Survival groups were categorized as 80 and younger, 81 to 84, 85 to 89, and 90 and older.ResultsA 1-point lower SVD score was associated with 1.22 greater odds (95% confidence interval = 1.14-1.31) of longer survival, independent of potential confounders. This association was unchanged after adjustment for intermediate incident cardiovascular events. There was suggestion of an interaction between kidney function, smoking, and C-reactive protein and SVD; the association between SVD and longer survival appeared to be modestly greater in persons with poor kidney function, inflammation, or a history of smoking.ConclusionA lower burden of SVD is associated with longer survival, independent of intermediate cardiovascular events. Abstinence from smoking, better kidney function, and lower inflammation may attenuate the effects of higher SVD and promote longer survival.

Background: Higher levels of frailty, quantified by a frailty index (FI), may be linked to fatigue severity as tasks become more physically and mentally demanding. Fatigue, a component of frailty research, has been ambiguous and inconsistent in its operationalization. Fatigability—the quantification of vulnerability to fatigue in relation to specific intensity and duration of activities—offers a more sensitive and standardized approach, though the association between frailty and fatigability has not been assessed. Methods: Using cross‐sectional data from the Long Life Family Study at Visit 2 (2014–2017; N = 2524; mean age ± standard deviation (SD) 71.4 ± 11.2 years; 55% women; 99% White), we examined associations between an 83‐item FI after excluding fatigue items (ratio of number of health problems reported (numerator) out of the total assessed (denominator); higher ratio = greater frailty) and perceived physical and mental fatigability using the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS) (range 0–50; higher scores = greater fatigability). Results: Participants had mean ± standard deviation FI (0.08 ± 0.06; observed range: 0.0–0.43), PFS Physical (13.7 ± 9.6; 39.5% more severe, ≥15), and PFS Mental (7.9 ± 8.9; 22.8% more severe, ≥13). The prevalence of more severe physical and mental fatigability was higher across FI quartiles. In mixed effects models accounting for family structure, a clinically meaningful 3%‐higher FI was associated with 1.9 points higher PFS Physical score (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–2.1) and 1.7 points higher PFS Mental score (95% CI 1.5–1.9) after adjusting for covariates. Conclusions: Frailty was associated with perceived physical and mental fatigability severity. Understanding this association may support the development of interventions to mitigate the risks associated with greater frailty and perceived fatigability. Including measurements of perceived fatigability, in lieu of fatigue, in frailty indices has the potential to alleviate the inconsistencies and ambiguity surrounding the operationalization of fatigue and provide a more precise and sensitive measurement of frailty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesTo identify novel modifiable risk factors, focusing on oral hygiene, for pneumonia requiring hospitalization of community-dwelling older adults.DesignProspective observational cohort study.SettingMemphis, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.ParticipantsOf 3,075 well-functioning community-dwelling adults aged 70 to 79 enrolled in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study from 1997 to 1998, 1,441 had complete data in the data set of all variables used, a dental examination within 6 months of baseline, and were eligible for this study.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was pneumonia requiring hospitalization through 2008.ResultsOf 1,441 participants, 193 were hospitalized for pneumonia. In a multivariable model, male sex (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.51-2.83), white race (HR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.03-2.01), history of pneumonia (HR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.86-5.14), pack-years of smoking (HR = 1.006, 95% CI = 1.001-1.011), and percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 minute (moderate vs mild lung disease or normal lung function, HR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.28-2.48; severe lung disease vs mild lung disease or normal lung function, HR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.51-5.57) were nonmodifiable risk factors for pneumonia. Incident mobility limitation (HR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.32-2.38) and higher mean oral plaque score (HR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.02-1.64) were modifiable risk factors for pneumonia. Average attributable fractions revealed that 11.5% of cases of pneumonia were attributed to incident mobility limitation and 10.3% to a mean oral plaque score of 1 or greater.ConclusionIncident mobility limitation and higher mean oral plaque score were two modifiable risk factors that 22% of pneumonia requiring hospitalization could be attributed to. These data suggest innovative opportunities for pneumonia prevention among community-dwelling older adults.

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between periodontal disease and cognitive decline.DesignAnalysis of a prospective cohort study.SettingThe Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study.ParticipantsOne thousand fifty-three participants who were administered the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) at Year 1 (baseline) and Year 3 and had participated in a comprehensive periodontal examination at Year 2.MeasurementsThe prospective association between a range of oral health parameters and cognitive function was examined. Decline in 3MS score from Year 3 to 5 was investigated in 947 (89.9%) participants. Covariates included age, sex, education, race, cardiovascular disease and risk, and depressive symptoms.ResultsMost indicators of adverse oral health at Year 2 were associated with cognitive impairment based on averaged 3MS scores less than 80 for Years 1 and 3, but education and race substantially confounded these associations. Higher gingival index, a measure of gingival inflammation, at Year 2 remained independently associated with this definition of cognitive impairment and, in fully adjusted analyses, was also an independent predictor of a more-than-5-point cognitive decline from Year 3 to 5.ConclusionPeriodontitis may be a risk factor for cognitive decline. Gingivitis is reversible, and periodontitis to some degree is preventable and controllable when manifest. Therefore, further research is needed to clarify potential underlying mechanisms and oral health interventions that might ameliorate cognitive decline.

ObjectivesTo examine the association between kidney function and all-cause mortality in octogenarians.DesignRetrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsSerum creatinine and cystatin C were measured in 1,053 Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) All Stars participants.MeasurementsEstimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was determined using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine (eGFR(CR) ) and cystatin C one-variable (eGFR(CYS) ) equations. The association between quintiles of kidney function and all-cause mortality was analyzed using unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsMean age of the participants was 85, 64% were female, 66% had hypertension, 14% had diabetes mellitus, and 39% had prevalent cardiovascular disease. There were 154 deaths over a median follow-up of 2.6 years. The association between eGFR(CR) and all-cause mortality was U-shaped. In comparison with the reference quintile (64-75 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) ), the highest (≥ 75 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) ) and lowest (≤ 43 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) ) quintiles of eGFR(CR) were independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.36-4.55; HR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.26-4.10, respectively). The association between eGFR(CYS) and all-cause mortality was linear in those with eGFR(CYS) of less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) , and in the multivariate analyses, the lowest quintile of eGFR(CYS) (0.88 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) ).ConclusionModerate reduction in kidney function is a risk factor for all-cause mortality in octogenarians. The association between eGFR(CR) and all-cause mortality differed from that observed with eGFR(CYS) ; the relationship was U-shaped for eGFR(CR) , whereas the risk was primarily present in the lowest quintile for eGFR(CYS) .

ObjectivesTo examine whether deficient B12 status or low serum B12 levels are associated with worse sensory and motor peripheral nerve function in older adults.DesignCross-sectional.SettingHealth, Aging and Body Composition Study.ParticipantsTwo thousand two hundred and eighty-seven adults aged 72 to 83 (mean 76.5 ± 2.9; 51.4% female; 38.3% black).MeasurementsLow serum B12 was defined as serum B12 less than 260 pmol/L, and deficient B12 status was defined as B12 less than 260 pmol/L, methylmalonic acid (MMA) greater than 271 nmol/L, and MMA greater than 2-methylcitrate. Peripheral nerve function was assessed according to peroneal nerve conduction amplitude and velocity (NCV) (motor), 1.4 g/10 g monofilament detection, average vibration threshold detection, and peripheral neuropathy symptoms (numbness, aching or burning pain, or both) (sensory).ResultsB12-deficient status was found in 7.0% of participants, and an additional 10.1% had low serum B12 levels. B12 deficient status was associated with greater insensitivity to light (1.4 g) touch (odds ratio = 1.50, 95% confidence interval = 1.06-2.13) and worse NCV (42.3 vs 43.5 m/s) (β = -1.16, P = .01) after multivariable adjustment for demographics, lifestyle factors, and health conditions. Associations were consistent for the alternative definition using low serum B12 only. No significant associations were found for deficient B12 status or the alternative low serum B12 definition and vibration detection, nerve conduction amplitude, or peripheral neuropathy symptoms.ConclusionPoor B12 (deficient B12 status and low serum B12) is associated with worse sensory and motor peripheral nerve function. Nerve function impairments may lead to physical function declines and disability in older adults, suggesting that prevention and treatment of low B12 levels may be important to evaluate.

Understanding the physiological basis of physical resilience to clinical stressors is crucial for the well‐being of older adults. This article presents a novel framework to discover the biological underpinnings of physical resilience in older adults as part of the "Characterizing Resiliencies to Physical Stressors in Older Adults: A Dynamical Physiological Systems Approach" study, also known as The Study of Physical Resilience and Aging (SPRING). Physical resilience, defined as the capacity of a person to withstand clinical stressors and quickly recover or improve upon a baseline functional level, is examined in adults aged 55 years and older by studying the dynamics of stress response systems. The hypothesis is that well‐regulated stress response systems promote physical resilience. The study employs dynamic stimulation tests to assess energy metabolism, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, the autonomic nervous system, and the innate immune system. Baseline characteristics influencing resilience outcomes are identified through deep phenotyping of physical and cognitive function, as well as of biological, environmental, and psychosocial characteristics. SPRING aims to study participants undergoing knee replacement surgery (n = 100), bone and marrow transplantation (n = 100), or anticipating dialysis initiation (n = 60). Phenotypic and functional measures are collected pre‐stressor and at multiple times after stressor for up to 12 months to examine resilience trajectories. By improving our understanding of physical resilience in older adults, SPRING has the potential to enhance resilient outcomes to major clinical stressors. The article provides an overview of the study's background, rationale, design, pilot phase, implementation, and implications for improving the health and well‐being of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesTo define frailty using simple indicators; to identify risk factors for frailty as targets for prevention; and to investigate the predictive validity of this frailty classification for death, hospitalization, hip fracture, and activity of daily living (ADL) disability.DesignProspective study, the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study.SettingForty U.S. clinical centers.ParticipantsForty thousand six hundred fifty-seven women aged 65 to 79 at baseline.MeasurementsComponents of frailty included self-reported muscle weakness/impaired walking, exhaustion, low physical activity, and unintended weight loss between baseline and 3 years of follow-up. Death, hip fractures, ADL disability, and hospitalizations were ascertained during an average of 5.9 years of follow-up.ResultsBaseline frailty was classified in 16.3% of participants, and incident frailty at 3-years was 14.8%. Older age, chronic conditions, smoking, and depressive symptom score were positively associated with incident frailty, whereas income, moderate alcohol use, living alone, and self-reported health were inversely associated. Being underweight, overweight, or obese all carried significantly higher risk of frailty than normal weight. Baseline frailty independently predicted risk of death (hazard ratio (HR)=1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.48-1.97), hip fracture (HR=1.57, 95% CI=1.11-2.20), ADL disability (odds ratio (OR)=3.15, 95% CI=2.47-4.02), and hospitalizations (OR=1.95, 95% CI=1.72-2.22) after adjustment for demographic characteristics, health behaviors, disability, and comorbid conditions.ConclusionThese results support the robustness of the concept of frailty as a geriatric syndrome that predicts several poor outcomes in older women. Underweight, obesity, smoking, and depressive symptoms are strongly associated with the development of frailty and represent important targets for prevention.

Background: Previous studies have suggested an association between bone mineral density (BMD) and heart failure (HF) risk that may be racedependent. Methods: We evaluated the relationship between BMD and incident HF in a cohort of older adults, the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) study (n = 2835), and next performed a pooled analysis involving a second older cohort, the Cardiovascular Health Study (n = 1268). Hip BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in both cohorts and spine BMD by computed tomography in a subset from Health ABC. Results: In Health ABC, lower BMD at the total hip was associated with higher incident HF in Black women after multivariable adjustment. Similar associations were found for BMD at the femoral neck and spine. In both cohorts, pooled analysis again revealed an association between lower total hip BMD and increased risk of HF in Black women (HR = 1.41 per 0.1-g/cm² decrement [95% CI = 1.23–1.62]), and showed the same to be true for White men (HR = 1.12 [1.03–1.21]). There was a decreased risk of HF in Black men (HR 0.80 [0.70–0.91]), but no relationship in White women. The associations were numerically stronger with HFpEF for Black women and White men, and with HFrEF for Black men. Findings were similar for femoral neck BMD. Sensitivity analyses delaying HF follow-up by 2 years eliminated the association in Black men. Conclusions: Lower BMD was associated with higher risk of HF and especially HFpEF in older Black women and White men, highlighting the need for additional investigation into underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]