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The journal of nutrition, health & aging

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01-05-2021 | Sarcopenia

A Nonlinear Association between Neighborhood Walkability and Risks of Sarcopenia in Older Adults

Authors: J.-H. Park, T.-F. Lai, C.-S. Chang, W.-C. Huang, Jeong Su Cho, Yung Liao

Published in: The journal of nutrition, health & aging | Issue 5/2021

Abstract

Objectives

Neighborhood walkability has been found to be positively related to physical activity and negatively associated with risks of noncommunicable diseases. However, limited studies have examined its association with sarcopenia in older adults. Thus, this study aimed to examine the association between neighborhood walk score and risks of sarcopenia in a sample of older Taiwanese adults.

Design and setting

This study was a cross-sectional investigation using telephone-based survey.

Participants

A nationwide telephone-based survey targeting older adults (≥ 65 years) was conducted in Taiwan.

Measurements

Data on neighborhood walkability (determined by walk score of residential neighborhood), sarcopenia scores (measured by SARC-F), and personal characteristics were obtained. The relationships between walk score and risks of sarcopenia were examined using generalized additive models.

Results

A total of 1,056 older adults participated in the survey. In model 1 (sex and age) and model 2 (full-adjusted model), a nonlinear association between neighborhood walk score and risks of sarcopenia was observed. Results showed that risks of sarcopenia appear to be lower in neighborhoods with a 40-walk score (Car-Dependent; most errands require a car) and an 80-walk score (Very Walkable) and highest in the neighborhood with a 60-walk score (Somewhat Walkable).

Conclusions

The study revealed a nonlinear relationship between neighborhood walkability and risks of sarcopenia in older adults in Asian context. Results provided information to urban designers and public health practitioners that more walkable neighborhood may not necessarily protect older adults from risks of sarcopenia.

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Title: A Nonlinear Association between Neighborhood Walkability and Risks of Sarcopenia in Older Adults
Authors: J.-H. Park
T.-F. Lai
C.-S. Chang
W.-C. Huang
Jeong Su Cho
Yung Liao
Publication date: 01-05-2021
Publisher: Springer Paris
Keyword: Sarcopenia
Published in: The journal of nutrition, health & aging / Issue 5/2021
Print ISSN: 1279-7707
Electronic ISSN: 1760-4788
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-021-1588-4

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Abstract

Objectives

Design and setting

Participants

Measurements

Results

Conclusions

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