Body Composition, Nutritional Status, and Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of frailty and examine the associations between body composition, nutritional status, and frailty among community-dwelling elders.

Methods:

A cross-sectional investigation was undertaken involving 282 community- dwelling elders in Taiwan. Inclusion criteria were: (1) aged 65 and over; (2) able to walk independently; (3) no serious chronic diseases; and (4) no cognitive and communication impairment. The frailty status was identified based on the Fried criteria. Body composition was measured using the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Nutritional status was examined including body mass index (BMI), mid-arm circumference (MAC), and calf circumference (CC). Demographic data and general health status (number of self-reported chronic diseases and self-perceived health status) were also assessed. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, χ2 test, and logistic regression were conducted using SPSS 20.0 for windows.

Results:

The prevalence of frailty was 8.1%. Age, self-perceived health status, and number of chronic diseases were associated with frailty among community-dwelling elders. There was a significant relationship between body composition and frailty. Both mid-arm circumference and calf circumference were correlated with frailty. However, there was no significant association between BMI and frailty.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of frailty is similar to that reported in other populations. Nutritional status was strongly associated with frailty among community-dwelling elders. A longitudinal study should be conducted in the future to provide trends in the transition of frailty status among community-dwelling elders.