This project examines the relationship between body weight and physical functioning among older adults. Past research has tended to focus on body weight as a risk factor for certain chronic diseases and mortality. Less is known about the impact of body weight on physical functioning -- more specifically, the underlying social and behavioral mechanisms for the relationship. One hypothesis is that body weight interacts with certain social and demographic factors, specifically marital status, to impact physical functioning. Using two waves (1995 and 1997) of the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) survey, hierarchical logit models of the onset of four aspects of physical functioning (i.e. strength, activities of daily living, upper mobility, and lower body mobility) are estimated. Included in the models are multiple indicators of social and demographic factors, health behaviors, and health conditions. Results indicate that body weight, in particular being overweight or obese, is positively associated with the onset of functional impairment. In addition, the body weight and functioning relationship expresses itself differently for different aspects of functioning. The implications of the results are discussed in terms of additional training for public health professionals and potential interventions that could be developed for community dwelling and institutionalized elderly populations. Learning more about the modifiable risk factors of functional loss, such as body weight, will aid in improving health and maintaining functional independence in the later years.
Learning Objectives: 1) Calculate an individual's Body Mass Index 2) Describe the basic relationship between body weight and physical functioning 3) List future implications of this research
Keywords: Aging, Disability
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.