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Objectives. Weight change in older adults affects physical function (PF). However, data suggest that, conversely, PF may be a determinant of weight change. Our objective was to assess the role of baseline PF as a predictor of 2-year weight loss (WL) and weight gain (WG) [greater than or equal to] 5% among healthy well-functioning community-dwelling older adults. Methods. The NuAge cohort (67-84 years) was classified into three groups according to the percent weight change over a 2-year follow-up: weight stable (weight change [less than or equal to] 2%: n = 629), WL [greater than or equal to] 5% (n = 189), and WG [greater than or equal to] 5% (n = 111). A summary measure of baseline PF was computed (sum of biceps, quadriceps, and grip strength, timed up and go, chair stand, normal and maximal gait speed, and balance performance scores [individual test score range = 0-4]; PF score range = 0-32). Multivariable logistic regression models separately assessed the relationships between baseline PF and 2-year WL and WG [greater than or equal to] 5%. Results. Baseline PF was worse in both the WL (p < .001) and the WG (p = .001) groups compared with the weight stable group. In models adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, energy intake, depressive symptoms, and other significantly associated covariates, each 1-unit increase in standard deviation of PF was associated with decreased risk of either 2-year WL (odds ratio = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.63-0.99, p = .043) or WG (odds ratio = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.55 0.99, p = .041). Conclusions. Low baseline PF was an independent common predictor of 2-year WL and WG [greater than or equal to] 5% in the healthy well-functioning community-dwelling elderly population. Whether PF is an early cause or marker of weight change in this population remains to be determined. Key Words: Elderly--Physical function--Weight loss--Weight gain--Longitudinal study. doi: 10.1093/geroa/glq150

Background. Numerous studies of the elderly population have indicated that body weight and weight changes are related to mortality, but the one group at particularly high risk of nutritional inadequaciesfrail elders receiving home help serviceshas not been studied. Methods. A prospective cohort of 288 frail elders (81 men; 207 women; mean age: 78.2 +/-7.6 yrs) receiving home support services was followed for 3-5 years. Nutritional variables included baseline body mass index (BMI), weight loss prior to baseline, and energy and protein intake. Covariates included age, gender, smoking, and health and functional status. Cox's multivariate survival analysis was used to identify independent predictors of mortality. Results. There were 102 deaths (35.4%) over the follow-up period. Univariate predictors included age, sex, BMI, weight loss, and functional status. In multivariate analysis, weight loss at baseline was a significant predictor of mortality, RR=1.76(95%CI: 1.15-2.71), as was male gender, RR=2.71(95%CI: 1.73-4.24), and age at baseline, RR=1.40(95%CI: 1.06-1.86). Conclusion. Among free-living frail elders, weight loss is a predictor of early mortality after controlling for smoking, and functional and health status indicators. From our observations, however, we cannot conclude that prevention of weight loss would lead to increased survival. This needs to be explored in an intervention study.

Research indicates that nutritional status could have an impact on the response of elderly subjects to influenza vaccination. Nutritional parameters such as levels of vitamin E, iron, total protein and hemoglobin were substantially lower among those who did not respond to the vaccination than those who did, with the cellular immune response and DHEA level also much lower in the nonresponsive group. Twelve out of twenty-three elderly patients did not respond to the vaccination.

'Outings to Your Taste' is an innovative program that aims to improve the nutritional status and social network of elderly people who receive home-delivered meals. This article examines participation in one of the program's components, outings to community restaurants. Participation data were collected on-site and information about client characteristics was collected in at-home interview surveys of targeted clients (n = 144). While about half of the clients had tried at,least one outing, more than 25% of them participated in at least one third of the outings offered to them. Results indicate that the program attracted a variety of clients in terms of sociodemographic, health, and social isolation characteristics. Key Words: Nutrition, Social isolation, Health promotion, Community services