Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have uncovered a significant relationship between the fatigue experienced by older adults during daily activities and their risk of mortality within a few years.
Published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, the study led by Nancy W. Glynn introduces new insights into how perceived physical fatigability could be an indicator of life expectancy.
The study utilized the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale, developed in 2014, to measure how tired participants expected to feel after engaging in various activities. This scale, now available in 11 languages, assesses fatigue levels anticipated from tasks such as a leisurely 30-minute walk, light housework, or heavy gardening.
Involving 2,906 participants aged 60 or older from the Long Life Family Study, researchers categorized their responses on a scale from 0 to 5.
They discovered that individuals who scored 25 points or higher were more than twice as likely to die within the next 2.7 years compared to those who scored below 25. This finding persisted even after adjusting for other mortality-influencing factors.
This correlation between high fatigability and increased mortality risk is particularly significant as it is the first study to directly link greater physical fatigability with an earlier death. Previous research has indicated that increased physical activity can reduce fatigue, suggesting that managing fatigue could be a crucial aspect of improving longevity in older adults.
The implications of this study are profound, suggesting that the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale could serve as a valuable tool in predicting life expectancy based on daily activity fatigue. This could potentially guide interventions aimed at reducing fatigue, thereby enhancing the quality of life and possibly extending the lifespans of older individuals.
Such research underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the factors that impact aging, especially as the global population of older adults continues to grow. By focusing on manageable aspects like activity-induced fatigue, healthcare providers can better support the health and well-being of the elderly.
If you care about wellness health, please read studies about nutrients that could combat inflammation in older people, and essential foods for healthy aging.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the link between processed foods and chronic diseases, and a simple diet change for a healthier life after 65.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
