Association of socioeconomic status measures with physical activity and subsequent frailty in older adults

• Published in: European journal of preventive cardiology Vol. 29; no. Supplement_1
• Main Authors: Kheifets, M, Goshen, A, Goldbourt, U, Witberg, G, Eisen, A, Kornowski, R, Gerber, Y
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 11-05-2022
• ISSN: 2047-4873; 2047-4881
• DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwac056.125

Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background
Despite increased recognition, frailty remains a significant public health challenge.
Methods
Using a population-based cohort of older adults, this study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) factors, physical activity and frailty. The study included 1,799 participants (mean [SD], age 75[6]; 53% women) from the "National Health and Nutrition Survey of Older Adults Aged 65 and Over in Israel", conducted in 2005-2006. A follow-up interview was performed 12-14 years later in a subgroup of 601 subjects (mean [SD], age 84[4]; 56% women). Extensive data including self-reported leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and SES measures were assessed at baseline. Frailty was measured at follow-up.
Results
All SES measures were strongly and positively associated with LTPA (all p<0.001). Eighty-two participants (14%) were classified as frail at follow-up. After age and sex adjustment and accounting for attrition bias using inverse probability weighting, baseline LTPA (OR=2.77, 95% CI: 1.57-4.90, for inactivity; OR=1.41, 95% CI: 0.75-2.68, for insufficient activity, compared with sufficient activity, Ptrend<0.001) was inversely associated with incident frailty. The association persisted after further adjustment for SES and comorbidity.
Conclusion
Among older individuals, multiple SES measures were positively associated with LTPA, which was a strong predictor of lower subsequent frailty risk.