1. Musculoskeletal health and life-space mobility in older adults: Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study.
- Author
-
Bevilacqua, Gregorio, D'Angelo, Stefania, Westbury, Leo D., Harvey, Nicholas C., and Dennison, Elaine M.
- Subjects
- *
OLDER people , *PHYSICAL mobility , *COHORT analysis , *WELL-being , *AUTOMOBILE driving - Abstract
This study explores the relationship between musculoskeletal conditions of ageing and life-space mobility (LSM) in 1110 community-dwelling older adults from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study. LSM is a novel measure which captures ability to mobilise within the home, locally and more widely. Among men, older age, care receipt, not driving a car, lower wellbeing, and reduced physical function were associated with lower LSM, while in women only driving status and physical function were associated with LSM. Osteoporosis, arthritis, and fractures had no significant associations with LSM in either gender. These findings provide support for sex-specificity in the determinants of LSM and inform novel approaches to improving mobility and health in older age. • Life-space mobility (LSM) is essential for engagement in activities and maintaining independence. • Mobility declines with age and is associated with adverse health outcomes. • This study investigates gender differences in the relationships between musculoskeletal factors and LSM among older adults. • Musculoskeletal conditions and fractures were not associated with LSM. • Age, receipt of care, falls wellbeing, and physical function were associated with LSM in men; only physical function was associated with LSM in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF