Multidimensional Predictors of Fatigue Among Octogenarians and Centenarians

Overview

Journal Gerontology

Specialty Geriatrics

Date 2011 Nov 19

PMID 22094445

Citations 6

Authors

Jinmyoung Cho

Peter Martin

Jennifer Margrett

Maurice MacDonald

Mary Ann Johnson

Leonard W Poon

S M Jazwinski

R C Green

M Gearing

J L Woodard

J S Tenover

I C Siegler

C Rott

W L Rodgers

D Hausman

J Arnold

A Davey

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Fatigue is a common and frequently observed complaint among older adults. However, knowledge about the nature and correlates of fatigue in old age is very limited.

Objective: This study examined the relationship of functional indicators, psychological and situational factors and fatigue for 210 octogenarians and centenarians from the Georgia Centenarian Study.

Methods: Three indicators of functional capacity (self-rated health, instrumental activities of daily living, physical activities of daily living), two indicators of psychological well-being (positive and negative affect), two indicators of situational factors (social network and social support), and a multidimensional fatigue scale were used. Blocked multiple regression analyses were computed to examine significant factors related to fatigue. In addition, multi-group analysis in structural equation modeling was used to investigate residential differences (i.e., long-term care facilities vs. private homes) in the relationship between significant factors and fatigue.

Results: Blocked multiple regression analyses indicated that two indicators of functional capacity, self-rated health and instrumental activities of daily living, both positive and negative affect, and social support were significant predictors of fatigue among oldest-old adults. The multiple group analysis in structural equation modeling revealed a significant difference among oldest-old adults based on residential status.

Conclusion: The results suggest that we should not consider fatigue as merely an unpleasant physical symptom, but rather adopt a perspective that different factors such as psychosocial aspects can influence fatigue in advanced later life.

Citing Articles

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Health effects of social connectedness in older adults living in congregate long-term care settings: A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence.

Lim E, Nielsen N, Lapane L, Barooah A, Xu S, Qu S Int J Older People Nurs. 2023; 18(6):e12577.

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Social connection and physical health outcomes among long-term care home residents: a scoping review.

Lem K, McGilton K, Aelick K, Iaboni A, Babineau J, Colborne D BMC Geriatr. 2021; 21(1):722.

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Association of fatigue, inflammation, and physical activity on gait speed: the Long Life Family Study.

Renner S, Qiao Y, Gmelin T, Santanasto A, Boudreau R, Walston J Aging Clin Exp Res. 2021; 34(2):367-374.

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Impact of Baseline Fatigue on a Physical Activity Intervention to Prevent Mobility Disability.

Glynn N, Gmelin T, Santanasto A, Lovato L, Lange-Maia B, Nicklas B J Am Geriatr Soc. 2019; 68(3):619-624.

PMID: 31867713 PMC: 8061638. DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16274.

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