[The relationship between normal swallowing functions, food ingestion and the lifestyle of users in a day service center].

Objectives: The physical and mental condition of elderly people changes every day and we hypothesized that this influences food intake and swallowing functions. The present study was undertaken to clarify relationships between daily living conditions and swallowing function.
Methods: The subjects were users (105 males and 219 females) of 6 day-service centers. We performed a survey of IADL (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living), mobility, eating and swallowing behavior, and general health. In addition, we used RSST (Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test) as a screen for functional dysphasia.
Results: Women who had normal food ingestion and swallowing functions were capable of doing shopping, housework and taking care of money independently. Males and females who were capable of moving around from place to place had normal food ingestion and swallowing functions. With regard to daily eating habits and health condition, males and females who had normal food ingestion and swallowing functions were able to consume ordinary food, able to eat without any help, and often laugh.
Conclusion: It was concluded that a normal swallowing condition in the elderly is related to laughing often, being independent in daily life, moving around and eating ordinary meals without any help.