A Poor Appetite or Ability to Eat and its Association with Physical Function among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study
Milan Chang, Olof G. Geirsdottir, Lenore J. Launer , Vilmundur Gudnasson, Marjolein Visser, Ingibjorg Gunnarsdottir
European Journal of Ageing
Diet plays an important role in susceptibility to chronic diseases during the ageing process. However, a poor appetite or ability to eat and its association with physical function have not been explored considerably among community-dwelling older adults. The current study examined whether having an illness or physical condition affecting one’s appetite or ability to eat is associated with body composition, muscle strength, or physical function among community-dwelling older adults. This is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study (n=5764). Illnesses or physical conditions affecting one’s appetite or ability to eat was assessed with a questionnaire. Those who reported illnesses or physical conditions affecting their appetite or ability to eat were considered to have a poor appetite. A total of 804 (14%) individuals reported having conditions affecting their appetite or ability. The current study found that people with a poor appetite or ability to eat had a significantly lower fat free mass and body mass index, less grip strength and poorer physical function than those without any conditions affecting their appetite or ability to eat. The strong associations with physical function suggests that any condition affecting one’s appetite or ability to eat requires attention.