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The ability of an older adult to walk independently in their community assists with maintaining independence, a healthy lifestyle and a good quality of life. In clinical practice, outdoor mobility is often one of the first activities, where a decline is observed. The aim of this study was to examine the factors associated with community ambulation in community dwelling older adults attending a day hospital.This was a cross-sectional observational study design. Inclusion criteria were community dwelling older adults, over 65 years, attending a day hospital and able to ambulate at least 10 m with or without an assistive device. The primary outcome measure was a community ambulation questionnaire. A range of other outcome measures were completed assessing motor, cognitive, executive function and behavioural domains. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify independent predictors of community ambulation.161 participants completed this study. The median age was 83 years (IQR 9), 64% were female and 49.1% lived alone. 55.3% of participants were classified as independent community ambulators. Mean gait speed was 0.8 m/s, median TUG score was 16.6 s and median frailty was 4 (IRQ 2) using the Clinical Frail Scale. Self-efficacy (p 0.001) and gait speed (p = 0.030) were independently associated with community ambulation.The findings demonstrate the complexity and multifactorial nature of community ambulation in older adults. This suggests the need to adopt a broader approach to the management of older adults, to promote the achievement of independent community ambulation.

Identifying physical frailty is useful in the context of falls and syncope assessment. The phenotype-based SHARE Frailty Instrument for Primary Care (SHARE-FI) does not measure gait speed. We evaluated the association between SHARE-FI and gait speed in a Falls' and Syncope Unit (FASU).We recruited a pilot sample of patients aged 50 and over attending FASU between November 2019 and March 2020. The association between gait speed and SHARE-FI was assessed with the Spearman's co-efficient (r104 participants were included (34 frail) median (IQR) age 74 (68-79) years. 68 were female. There was a significant negative correlation between frailty and gait speed (rSHARE-FI significantly captured gait speed in this clinical sample, adding to its validity.

To evaluate the association between SHARE-FI and gait speed in a Falls’ and Syncope Unit. There was a significant negative correlation between frailty and gait speed. After controlling for age, sex, body mass index, co-morbidities and polypharmacy, gait speed was an independent predictor of frailty. SHARE-FI significantly capture gait speed in patients attending a Falls’ and Syncope Unit. Identifying physical frailty is useful in the context of falls and syncope assessment. The phenotype-based SHARE Frailty Instrument for Primary Care (SHARE-FI) does not measure gait speed. We evaluated the association between SHARE-FI and gait speed in a Falls’ and Syncope Unit (FASU). We recruited a pilot sample of patients aged 50 and over attending FASU between November 2019 and March 2020. The association between gait speed and SHARE-FI was assessed with the Spearman’s co-efficient (rs). Logistic regression was conducted to investigate the association controlling for age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities and polypharmacy. 104 participants were included (34 frail) median (IQR) age 74 (68–79) years. 68 were female. There was a significant negative correlation between frailty and gait speed (rs − 0.54, P

Key summary points Aim The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults attending a day hospital service in Ireland, using the latest European Working Group of Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) guidelines. Findings The prevalence of sarcopenia in older adults attending a day hospital service in Ireland was 27–37% and varied depending on the strength test used. Sarcopenia was associated with older age, female gender, reduced BMI, reduced calf circumference, frailty, malnutrition, and reduced gait speed, irrespective of how muscle strength was assessed. Message Further consideration on the assessment of sarcopenia needs to be considered, regarding the use of muscle strength assessment, whether to assess upper limb, lower limb, or both., Purpose Sarcopenia is a muscle disease that is linked to the effects of ageing, chronic diseases, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition. In Ireland, there is a lack of readily available information on sarcopenia in older adults. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults attending a day hospital service in Ireland, using the European Working Group of Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) guidelines. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted, where a consecutive series of older adults attending a day hospital service were invited to participate. The measure of primary interest was the diagnosis of sarcopenia using the EWGSOP 2019 guidelines. We also collected other Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment measures including cognition, nutrition, frailty and physical activity. Results A total of 134 participants took part in the study. The mean age was 81.7 (SD ± 7.1). Sixty-one percent (N = 82) were female. The prevalence of sarcopenia ranged from 27 to 37% depending on the assessment tool used to assess muscle strength. Sarcopenia was associated with older age, frailty, reduced nutritional state, poor physical performance and reduced anthropometric measures, irrespective of how muscle strength was measured. Independently associated factors differed depending on muscle strength test, except for older age. Conclusion The prevalence of sarcopenia in the day hospital ranged from 27 to 37%. The assessment tool used to assess muscle strength influenced both the prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia, suggesting scope for further research.