Self-rated Health and Functional Ability in Community-dwelling Older Adults: a Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between self-rated health (SRH) and risk of functional decline among community-dwelling older Japanese. Methods: A 3-year prospective study was conducted among 653 residents aged 65 years and older without disability in carrying out basic activities of daily living (BADL) at baseline. SRH was assessed using a 100-mm visual analogue scale (worst=0 to best=100). Information on functional ability, sociodemographic factors, depression, quality of life and medical conditions, was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between baseline SRH and functional ability 3 years later. Findings: A total of 108 (16.5%) participants reported a decline in BADL at the 3-year follow up. Low SRH was significantly associated with a higher risk of functional decline, even after controlling for potential confounding factors (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2-3.9). Discussion: The results suggest that SRH is a strong predictor of subsequent loss or maintenance of functional ability in community-dwelling older adults.