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Frailty and intrinsic capacity (IC) are distinct but interrelated constructs. Uncertainty remains regarding how they are related and interact to influence health outcomes. We aim to understand the relationship between frailty and IC by identifying subgroups based on frailty criteria and IC domains and studying one-year outcomes. We studied 200 independent community-dwelling older adults (mean age 67.9±7.9 years, Modified Barthel Index (MBI) score 99±2.6). Frailty was defined by modified Fried criteria. Scores (range: 0–2) were assigned to individual IC domains (cognition, psychological, locomotion, and vitality) to yield a total IC score of 8. To identify subgroups, two-step cluster analysis was performed with age, frailty and IC domains. Cluster associations with one-year outcomes (frailty, muscle strength (grip strength, repeated chair stand test), physical performance (gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery), function (MBI) and quality-of-life (EuroQol (EQ)-5D)) were examined using multiple linear regression adjusted for age, gender and education. Three distinct clusters were identified — Cluster 1: High IC/Robust (N=74, 37%); Cluster 2: Intermediate IC/Prefrail (N=73, 36.5%); and Cluster 3: Low IC/Prefrail-Frail (53, 26.5%). Comparing between clusters, IC domains, cognition, depressive symptoms, nutrition, strength and physical performance were least impaired in Cluster 1, intermediate in Cluster 2 and most impaired in Cluster 3. At one year, the proportion transitioning to frailty or remaining frail was highest in Cluster 3 compared to Cluster 2 and Cluster 1 (39% vs 6.9% vs 2.8%, P

Introduction A multitude of modifiable factors can contribute to one’s fall risk. Healthcare professionals (HCP) are equipped to identify such factors, and make appropriate recommendations to help older adults prevent falls. However, there is limited evidence on the awareness and practice of this in Asian communities. Thus, this paper aims to understand the participation and barriers for community-dwelling Singaporeans to discuss falls with their HCPs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a nationally-representative sample of Singaporeans aged ≥60 living in the community. Participants were asked if they have fallen in the past 12 months, if they discussed what they can do to avoid falls with their HCPs (doctor/nurse) and for their perceived barriers via a semi-structured questionnaire with multiple responses. Unstructured data was coded using content analysis by two researchers and pooled with structured data. Sub-group differences between fallers and non-fallers were anaylsed using chi square tests. Results Of 549 participants (70.6±6.9 years and 61% female), most (n=447, 81%) have never talked to their HCPs. More fallers discussed falls prevention with HCPs than non-fallers (p=0.037). The top barriers cited for discussing falls with HCPs – low perception of fall risk (55%) and misconceptions regarding falls and/or HCPs (29%) – were more prevalent amongst non-fallers (p=0.008) and fallers (p Discussion Fallers and non-fallers have different reasons behind not discussing falls with HCPs. Findings indicate that despite having higher fall risk, fallers may still not talk to HCPs as they are either unaware that fall risk can be mitigated, or of HCP’s role in fall prevention. Future studies should address fallers’ knowledge and attitudes to improve their participation in interventions in the community, and investigate health practitioners’ readiness to address concerns about falls.

Introduction Previous studies have established that perceived threat can function as motivation to adopt protective health behaviours (Rogers, 1975; Tannenbaum, 2015 etc). However, while perceived falls-related threat improves intention and participation in falls prevention programmes (Yardley et al, 2007; Dorresteijn et al, 2012), some studies have also found that for women, perceived falls-related threat doubles as a barrier to exercise (Sandlund, 2008; Bruce et al, 2002; Cousins, 2000). The evidence is less clear for men. This paper seeks to analyse gendered differences in how falls-related threat appraisal affects perceived importance of exercise. Methods Secondary data analysis was conducted on data from the National KAP Study in Singapore, where a cross-sectional survey was conducted on community-dwelling Singaporeans aged ≥60 (N=549). Sub-group analyses were conducted for men (n=212) and women (n=337). Multiple logistic regressions were conducted to assess the effect of threat appraisal on perceived importance of strength and balance exercise, controlling for potential confounders. Perceived falls-related threat was assessed two ways: (a) Concern about falling, measured by the Falls Efficacy Scale – International (FES-I) and (b) Perceived chance of sustaining severe injuries if one fell. Results For women, concern about falling is not significantly related to perceived importance of exercise (p=0.08). However, perceived chance of sustaining injuries has a small positive relationship with perceived importance of exercise (OR:1.4; 95%CI:1.1-1.8; p Conclusion The results suggest that men and women appraise falls-related threat differently and this affects their attitudes towards exercise. However, more research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind this difference. This will have implications on targeting health messages for men and women.

Introduction Older adults have been found to under- or overestimate their fall risk. However, no studies have investigated implications on help-seeking behaviours in falls prevention. This study examines how disparities between actual and perceived fall risk affects participation in 5 fall prevention interventions among community-dwelling older adults in Singapore. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years in Singapore identified by stratified random sampling. Having previous falls in the past 12 months (faller/non-faller) indicated actual fall risk. Level of fear-of-falling (cut-off ≥23 on 16-item Falls Efficacy Scale International) was used as perceived fall risk (high/low). Four profiles based on combinations of actual and perceived risk were associated with participation in 5 fall prevention interventions in a multiple logistic regression. The model was adjusted for age, gender, ≥2 comorbidities and knowledge that the intervention is to prevent falls. Results Final analysis included 549 older adults (mean age 70.6±6.9 years, 61% females). Majority (46%) were in the Vigorous group (no falls, low fear), 35% Anxious (no falls, high fear), 11% Frail Aware (falls, high fear) and 8% Stoics (falls, low fear). Only those in Anxious and Frail Aware group were significantly more likely to have talked to a healthcare professional on strategies to avoid falls [OR 1.8 (1.1-3.1) and 3.2 (1.6-6.4) respectively] and made home modifications [OR 1.9 (1.3-2.8) and 2.0 (1.1-3.6)] after adjustments. No association was found for participation in exercise, medication review and falls education. Discussion Individual profiles with high fear-of-falling component have different help-seeking behaviours compared to those with low fear regardless of history of falls. However, individuals in Frail Aware group have higher likelihood to uptake the interventions compared to Anxious group. Future research should examine other drivers of behaviour that will influence participation in other interventions.

Osteosarcopenia is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes such as falls and fractures. Its association with frailty is less well-described, particularly in independent community-dwelling older adults. Although nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining bone and muscle health, the complex relationship between osteosarcopenia and nutrition in the pathogenesis of frailty remains to be elucidated. In this cross-sectional analysis of 230 independent, community-dwelling individuals (mean age 67.2 ± 7.4 years), we examined the associations between osteosarcopenia with nutritional status and frailty, and the mediating role of nutrition in the association between osteosarcopenia and frailty. Osteosarcopenia was defined as fulfilling both the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 consensus definition (low relative appendicular skeletal muscle mass adjusted for height, in the presence of either of either low handgrip strength or slow gait speed) and T-score ≤ −2.5 SD on bone mineral densitometry. We assessed frailty using the modified Fried criteria and nutrition using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment. We performed multiple linear regression, followed by pathway analysis to ascertain whether nutrition mediates the relationship between osteosarcopenia and frailty. Our study population comprised: 27 (11.7%) osteosarcopenic, 35 (15.2%) sarcopenic, 36 (15.7%) osteoporotic and 132 (57.4%) normal (neither osteosarcopenic, sarcopenic nor osteoporotic). Osteosarcopenia (β = 1.1, 95% CI 0.86–1.4) and sarcopenia (β = 1.1, 95% CI 0.90–1.4) were significantly associated with frailty, but not osteoporosis. Nutrition mediated the association between osteosarcopenia and frailty (indirect effect estimate 0.09, bootstrap 95% CI 0.01–0.22). In conclusion, osteosarcopenia is associated with frailty and poorer nutritional status, with nutrition mediating the association between osteosarcopenia and frailty. Our findings support early nutritional assessment and intervention in osteosarcopenia to mitigate the risk of frailty.

Jun Pei Lim,1,2 Bernard P Leung,3 Yew Yoong Ding,1,2 Laura Tay,1,2 Noor Hafizah Ismail,2,4 Audrey Yeo,2 Suzanne Yew,2 Mei Sian Chong1,2 1Department of Geriatric Medicine, 2Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing, 3Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, 4Department of Community and Continuing Care, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore Objective: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is associated with poorer physical outcomes and functional status in the older adult. A proinflammatory milieu associated with central obesity is postulated to enhance muscle catabolism. We set out to examine associations of the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in groups of older adults, with sarcopenia, obesity, and the SO phenotypes.Methods: A total of 143 community dwelling, well, older adults were recruited. Cross-sectional clinical data, physical performance, and muscle mass measurements were collected. Obesity and sarcopenia were defined using revised National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) obesity guidelines and those of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Serum levels of MCP-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: In all, 25.2% of subjects were normal, 15.4% sarcopenic, 48.3% obese, and 11.2% were SO. The SO groups had the lowest appendicular lean mass, highest percentage body fat, and lowest performance scores on the Short Physical Performance Battery and grip strength. The MCP-1 levels were significantly different, with the highest levels found in SO participants (P

Background: Decline in activity level portends subsequent decline in physical function, cognitive status and quality of life. The Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) measures activity participation corresponding to a 2x2 framework of indoor/outdoor and work/leisure activities. This prospective cohort study aims to explore baseline factors that predict changes in FAI amongst community-dwelling older adults in the GERI-LABS study.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is common in older adults in Western countries with seasonal winters, when the amount of sunlight is much reduced. There is a paucity of data on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with hip fracture in countries such as Singapore where the climate is predominantly tropical. Objectives: In this study, our aims were to ascertain the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in hospitalized elderly patients with hip fracture in Singapore. Methods: We prospectively studied 485 patients with hip fracture admitted to the orthopedic department over a 1-year period. Nonfragility fractures and younger patients (patients 3 levels were collected. Vitamin D deficiency was defined using Holick classification. Results: Vitamin D levels were available for 412 patients. Vitamin D deficiency was present in 57.5% (n = 237). Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was 34.5%, with only 8% of patients having normal vitamin D levels. Univariate analyses showed Malay race and functional factors (being housebound, requiring bathing and dressing assistance) to be associated with vitamin D deficiency. However, only ethnicity and housebound patients were significant in the multivariate model. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are common in patients with hip fracture in Singapore. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with being housebound and those of Malay ethnicity. Clothing habits resulting in reduced sunlight exposure may increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Fear-of-falling (FOF) can be adaptive or maladaptive depending on one’s appraisal of knowledge and beliefs, but few have elucidated this cognitive process in older adults surrounding falls. We aim to identify risk factors for high FOF amongst community-dwelling older adults (OA) and middle-aged adults (MA) in Singapore. This was a cross-sectional survey of a nationally-representative sample of OA (≥60 years) and MA (40-59 years) identified by stratified random sampling. Primary outcome was high FOF measured by a single-item (4-point scale). Independent variables were history-of-falls, quality-of-life, fall-related cognitive appraisal (balance problems, importance to restrict activities to prevent falls) and knowledge indicators (knowledge of other OA who fell, ability to identify out of 13 fall risk factors). MA were also asked if they’re caregivers. Multiple logistic regressions identified risk factors for high FOF separately by age-groups, adjusting for socio-demographics and comorbidities. The final analysis included 549 OA (70.6±6.88 years) and 309 MA (49.7±5.89 years). No differences in high FOF was found among OA and MA (37% vs. 38%, p=0.305), but there were more falls among OA (19% vs 12%, p=0.010). Higher knowledge of fall risk factors and self-reported balance problems were significant risk factors for high FOF among OA only, while a history-of-falls and being a caregiver were significant among MA only. Perceived importance to restrict activities was associated with high FOF in both age-groups. Although findings suggest differences in the mechanism of high FOF between OA and MA, both age-groups have maladaptive appraisal tendencies related to restrict activities to prevent falls.

With considerable variation including potential sex-specific differential rate of skeletal muscle loss, identifying modifiable factors for sarcopenia will be pivotal to guide targeted interventions. This study seeks to identify clinical and biological correlates of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults, with emphasis on the role of anabolic and catabolic stimuli, and special reference to gender specificity. In this cross-sectional study involving 200 community-dwelling and functionally independent older adults aged ≥50 years, sarcopenia was defined using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Comorbidities, cognitive and functional performance, physical activity and nutritional status were routinely assessed. Biochemical parameters included haematological indices, lipid panel, vitamin D level, anabolic hormones [insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), free testosterone (males only)] and catabolic markers [inflammatory markers (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein) and myostatin]. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors for sarcopenia. Age was associated with sarcopenia in both genders. Malnutrition conferred significantly higher odds for sarcopenia in women (OR = 5.71, 95 % CI 1.13–28.84.44, p = 0.035) while higher but acceptable range serum triglyceride was protective in men (OR = 0.05, 95 % CI 0.00–0.52, p = 0.012). Higher serum myostatin independently associated with higher odds for sarcopenia in men (OR = 1.11, 95 % CI 1.00–1.24, p = 0.041). Serum IGF-1 was significantly lower amongst female sarcopenic subjects, with demonstrable trend for protective effect against sarcopenia in multiple regression models, such that each 1 ng/ml increase in IGF-1 was associated with 1 % decline in odds of sarcopenia in women (p = 0.095). Our findings support differential pathophysiological mechanisms for sarcopenia that, if corroborated, may have clinical utility in guiding sex-specific targeted interventions for community-dwelling older adults.

Objectives To explore factors associated with frailty across the continuum of healthy aging to cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment [MCI], mild and moderate Alzheimer disease [AD]). Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Senior activity centers and the outpatient memory clinic of a tertiary hospital. Participants Community-dwelling and functionally independent adults aged 50 years and older and older adults attending the memory clinic with MCI, and mild and moderate AD diagnoses. Methods We recruited 299 participants comprising 200 cognitively healthy individuals, 16 with MCI, 68 with mild AD, and 15 with moderate AD. We collected measures of comorbidities, cognitive and functional performance, physical activity level, and anthropometric and nutritional status. Frailty was defined using Buchmann criteria, and sarcopenic obesity (SO) was defined using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria and the revised National Cholesterol and Education Panel-obesity definition of waist circumference. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with frailty as a whole group and separately based on cognitive subgroups. Results There were 16.7% of patients who met frailty criteria. Frailty prevalence was lowest in the well elderly (3.5%) and subsequently followed a U-shaped prevalence from MCI to mild and moderate AD, respectively. Specific univariate differences were noted in age, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, depressive symptoms, social differences, and functional scores. Multivariable logistic regression showed age, cognitive status, and SO to be significantly associated with frailty status. Subgroup analysis showed only SO to be significant (odds ratio [OR] 15.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.63–148.42) in well elderly and only cognition to be associated with frailty (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80–0.99) among the cognitively impaired. Conclusion Our findings lend initial support to the case for stage-specific interventions for physical frailty with the focus on SO in healthy community-dwelling older persons and cognitive-based measures in older adults with cognitive impairment. The accurate clinical phenotyping would then set the stage for future potential investigative therapies along these specific lines, rather than an undifferentiated approach.

While cross-sectional studies have demonstrated the importance of nutritional status on sarcopenia, its impact on longitudinal progression of sarcopenia status remains unclear. This prospective cohort study sought to examine how longitudinal changes in nutritional status impact sarcopenia progression.

Fluorescence based optical sensors has become an attraction in many areas, including industrial, biomedical and environmental applications. Optical sensor developed for water quality monitoring such as dissolved oxygen sensor becomes important such as monitoring the health of aquaculture environment. This optical DO sensor use oxygen quenching luminophore as the sensor material. In this work, the performance of tris(4,7-diphenyl-1,10 phenanthroline)ruthenium(II) ([Ru(dpp)3]2+) was investigated through the thin films morphology and their luminescence spectral profile. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images result indicates that ([Ru(dpp)3]2+) doped Octyl-triEOS/TEOS/Triton x-100 composites form uniform thin film and reduce cracks, likely to produce a reliable luminophore sensor. In addition, the spectral profile for 3 different ([Ru(dpp)3]2+) concentration were observed using high-resolution UV-VIS Spectrometer. The emission wavelength for all the samples have the same peak which seen at 610 ± 4 nm. The emission intensity shows an increasing pattern proportional to the concentration of ([Ru(dpp)3]2+). These experimental result demonstrates the ([Ru(dpp)3]2+) sol-gel thin film potentially be used for Dissolved Oxygen (DO) optical sensor luminophore.