Associations of coffee drinking with physical performance in the oldest-old community-dwelling men The Helsinki Businessmen Study (HBS)

Background: Habitual coffee drinking has been associated with lower risk of various chronic diseases linked to poor physical performance. Objective: We explored cross-sectional associations between coffee consumption and physical performance among oldest-old community-dwelling men in the Helsinki Businessmen Study (HBS). Methods: A random sample of HBS survivors (n = 126, mean age 87 years) attended a clinic visit in 2017/2018, including measurements of body composition, physical performance [Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)], and cognition. Coffee consumption was retrieved from 3-day food diaries. Results: Coffee consumption was positively associated with higher gait speed (p = 0.003), SPPB score (p = 0.035), and chair rise points (p = 0.043). Association of coffee with gait speed remained after adjustment for age, waist circumference, physical activity, pulse rate, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Conclusion: Higher coffee consumption was independently associated with better physical performance reflected as faster gait speed in oldest-old men

Self-Perception of Economic Means is Associated with Dietary Choices, Diet Quality and Physical Health in the Oldest Old Men from the Highest Socioeconomic Group

IntroductionSelf-perception of economic means may affect dietary choices, diet quality, and health behavior. We examined these associations in the oldest-old men from the highest socioeconomic class.MethodsThe participants in this cross-sectional analysis were the oldest- old home-dwelling men (n = 314, mean age 87 years, range 82-97 years) from the longitudinal Helsinki Businessmen Study cohort. They responded to a postal health and nutrition questionnaire, whereupon dietary intakes were assessed using 3-day food diaries and two diet quality indices. The questionnaire also included items about health, exercise, falls, and economic means.ResultsHigher self-perception of economic means was linearly associated with higher fish intake (p = 0.021), fruit and vegetable intakes (p = 0.027), use of alcohol (p = 0.003), overall diet quality according to IDQ (p = 0.008), self-perceived physical condition (p = 0.002) and inversely associated with body weight (p = 0.011), weight loss (p = 0.008), blood glucose levels (p = 0.020), and falls (p = 0.029).ConclusionSelf-perception of economic means was associated with dietary choices and physical health even among affluent older men. This information is important, because self-perception of economic means, however real, may affect health and nutrition behavior of older people.Peer reviewe

Ravitsemus, päivittäinen kävely ja resilienssi ovat yhteydessä fyysiseen toimintakykyyn vanhimmista vanhoilla miehillä

Peer reviewe

Macronutrient composition and sarcopenia in the oldest-old men : The Helsinki Businessmen Study (HBS)

Background & aim: Sarcopenia is associated with increased risk for several adverse health outcomes including frailty, disability, loss of independence, and mortality. We examined cross-sectional associations between sarcopenia and detailed dietary macronutrient composition in community-living oldest-old men (mean age 87). Methods: Participants were invited to a clinic visit in 2017/2018 including assessments of sarcopenia status using European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People's 2 (EWGSOP2) criteria and detailed macronutrient, vitamin D and food intakes retrieved from 3-day food diaries. Results: Of the 126 participants, 48 had probable sarcopenia and 27 sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was associated with lower energy (p = 0.020), total protein (p = 0.019), plant (p = 0.008) and fish proteins (p = 0.041), total fat (p = 0.015), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p = 0.011), polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.002), vitamin D intakes (p = 0.005) and, of fat quality indicators, MUFA: saturated fatty acid-ratio (p = 0.042). Conclusion: These findings suggest that sufficient energy and protein intakes, but also fat quality may be important along with healthy dietary patterns for prevention of sarcopenia in the oldest-old.Peer reviewe

Associations of protein source, distribution and healthy dietary pattern with appendicular lean mass in oldest-old men : the Helsinki Businessmen Study (HBS)

Key summary pointsAim To investigate how food and dietary intakes, protein daily distribution and source were associated with appendicular lean mass (ALM)/m(2) in the oldest-old community-dwelling men. Findings ALM/m(2) was associated with total protein intake, source and distribution as well as fruit and vegetable intakes. Message Not only protein intake, but also source and distribution as well as healthy overall diet characterized by abundant amounts of fruits and vegetables were important in maintaining muscle mass in the oldest-old men in our study. Purpose We explored how food and dietary intakes, protein daily distribution and source are associated with appendicular lean mass (ALM)/m(2) of the oldest-old community-dwelling men. Methods Cross-sectional analyses of Helsinki Businessmen Study (HBS, mean age 87 years) participants who came to clinic visit in 2017/2018. Nutritional status, physical performance and fasting blood samples were measured. Food and dietary intakes were retrieved from 3-day food diaries. Body composition was measured and appendicular lean mass (ALM) per m(2) was dichotomized as ALM/m(2) = 7 kg/m(2). Differences between lower and higher ALM were analyzed using t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Analysis of covariance was used to investigate independent associations with ALM/m(2). Results Random sample of 130 participants took part in the medical examinations, 126 returned food diaries, and 102 underwent DXA-scan. ALM/m(2) was associated with total protein (p = 0.033), animal protein (p = 0.043) and meat protein (p = 0.033) intakes. Protein distribution between daily meals differed at lunch; those with higher ALM/m(2) ate more protein (p = .047) at lunch. Consumption of fruits, vegetables (p = 0.022) and meat (p = 0.006) was associated with ALM/m(2). Conclusion Protein intake, source and distribution as well fruit and vegetable intakes were associated with higher ALM in oldest-old men. Study registration The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02526082.Peer reviewe

Happiness of the oldest-old men is associated with fruit and vegetable intakes

BackgroundPositive emotions and happiness may improve health and prolong life. Diet quality, Mediterranean dietary pattern, fruit and vegetable, chocolate, and fish consumption have been linked to positive affect, improved mood, and reduced risk of depression. We examined the associations between diet, nutrition, and perceived happiness in the oldest-old men.MethodsThe participants in this cross-sectional analysis were the oldest-old, home-dwelling men (n=338, mean age 88years, range 82-97years) from the longitudinal Helsinki Businessmen Study cohort. In 2016, a postal health and nutrition survey was performed. Happiness was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale of Happiness (0-100mm). The nutrition survey included a 3-day food diary, Mediterranean Diet Adherence score, and Index of Diet Quality designed to measure adherence to Finnish dietary recommendations. The participants were divided into quartiles according to happiness scores, and diet quality scores, food intakes, and other indicators were compared between the happiness quartiles.ResultsHappiness was linearly associated with total fruit and vegetable intakes (p=0.002) and inversely associated with age (p=0.016), blood glucose levels (p=0.049), skipping lunch (p=0.023), reduced food intake (p=0.002), and weight loss (p=0.016).ConclusionsFruit and vegetable intakes indicated happiness in the oldest-old men while reduced food intakes and weight loss were inversely associated with happiness. Maintaining good nutrition and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption may be important for psychological health of older people.Peer reviewe

The sarcopenia and physical frailty in older people : multi-component treatment strategies (SPRINTT) project: description and feasibility of a nutrition intervention in community-dwelling older Europeans

Background The "Sarcopenia and Physical Frailty in Older People: Multicomponent Treatment Strategies" (SPRINTT) project sponsored a multi-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) with the objective to determine the effect of physical activity and nutrition intervention for prevention of mobility disability in community-dwelling frail older Europeans. We describe here the design and feasibility of the SPRINTT nutrition intervention, including techniques used by nutrition interventionists to identify those at risk of malnutrition and to carry out the nutrition intervention. Methods SPRINTT RCT recruited older adults (>= 70 years) from 11 European countries. Eligible participants (n = 1517) had functional limitations measured with Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB score 3-9) and low muscle mass as determined by DXA scans, but were able to walk 400 m without assistance within 15 min. Participants were followed up for up to 3 years. The nutrition intervention was carried out mainly by individual nutrition counseling. Nutrition goals included achieving a daily protein intake of 1.0-1.2 g/kg body weight, energy intake of 25-30 kcal/kg of body weight/day, and serum vitamin D concentration >= 75 mmol/L. Survey on the method strategies and feasibility of the nutrition intervention was sent to all nutrition interventionists of the 16 SPRINTT study sites. Results Nutrition interventionists from all study sites responded to the survey. All responders found that the SPRINTT nutrition intervention was feasible for the target population, and it was well received by the majority. The identification of participants at nutritional risk was accomplished by combining information from interviews, questionnaires, clinical and laboratory data. Although the nutrition intervention was mainly carried out using individual nutritional counselling, other assisting methods were used as appropriate. Conclusion The SPRINTT nutrition intervention was feasible and able to adapt flexibly to varying needs of this heterogeneous population. The procedures adopted to identify older adults at risk of malnutrition and to design the appropriate intervention may serve as a model to deliver nutrition intervention for community-dwelling older people with mobility limitations. Aim To describe the methods and feasibility of the nutritional intervention carried out within the SPRINTT Randomized cotrolled trial. We also illustrate how nutrition interventionists identified participants at risk of malnutrition and the lessons learnt from the nutrition intervention. Findings SPRINTT nutrition intervention was well-received by the majority of the participants. It was mainly carried out using tailored nutrition counselling, but also other means of delivering the intervention were successfully used. Compared with a standard nutrition prescription, an individualized protocol to diagnose malnutrition and follow-up by tailored nutrition counselling helped achieve nutritional targets more effectively in spite of diversity of population in nutritional habits and in some cases reluctance to accept changes. Message The SPRINTT nutrition intervention was feasible and allowed flexibility to the varying needs and cultural differences of this heterogeneous population of frail, older Europeans. It may serve as a model to educate and improve nutrition among community-dwelling older people at risk of mobility limitations.Peer reviewe

Preserving mobility in older adults with physical frailty and sarcopenia: Opportunities, challenges, and recommendations for physical activity interventions

One of the most widely conserved hallmarks of aging is a decline in functional capabilities. Mobility loss is particularly burdensome due to its association with negative health outcomes, loss of independence and disability, and the heavy impact on quality of life. Recently, a new condition, physical frailty and sarcopenia, has been proposed to define a critical stage in the disabling cascade. Physical frailty and sarcopenia are characterized by weakness, slowness, and reduced muscle mass, yet with preserved ability to move indepen-dently. One of the strategies that have shown some benefits in combatting mobility loss and its consequences for older adults is physical activity. Here, we describe the opportunities and challenges for the development of physical activity interventions in people with physical frailty and sarcopenia. The aim of this article is to review age-related physio(patho)logical changes that impact mobility in old age and to provide recommendations and procedures in accordance with the available literature

Preserving Mobility in Older Adults with Physical Frailty and Sarcopenia : Opportunities, Challenges, and Recommendations for Physical Activity Interventions

One of the most widely conserved hallmarks of aging is a decline in functional capabilities. Mobility loss is particularly burdensome due to its association with negative health outcomes, loss of independence and disability, and the heavy impact on quality of life. Recently, a new condition, physical frailty and sarcopenia, has been proposed to define a critical stage in the disabling cascade. Physical frailty and sarcopenia are characterized by weakness, slowness, and reduced muscle mass, yet with preserved ability to move independently. One of the strategies that have shown some benefits in combatting mobility loss and its consequences for older adults is physical activity. Here, we describe the opportunities and challenges for the development of physical activity interventions in people with physical frailty and sarcopenia. The aim of this article is to review age-related physio(patho)logical changes that impact mobility in old age and to provide recommendations and procedures in accordance with the available literature.Peer reviewe

The sarcopenia and physical frailty in older people: multi-component treatment strategies (SPRINTT) project: description and feasibility of a nutrition intervention in community-dwelling older Europeans.

To access publisher's full text version of this article, please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links field or click on the hyperlink at the top of the page marked DownloadBackground: The "Sarcopenia and Physical Frailty in Older People: Multicomponent Treatment Strategies" (SPRINTT) project sponsored a multi-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) with the objective to determine the effect of physical activity and nutrition intervention for prevention of mobility disability in community-dwelling frail older Europeans. We describe here the design and feasibility of the SPRINTT nutrition intervention, including techniques used by nutrition interventionists to identify those at risk of malnutrition and to carry out the nutrition intervention. Methods: SPRINTT RCT recruited older adults (≥ 70 years) from 11 European countries. Eligible participants (n = 1517) had functional limitations measured with Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB score 3-9) and low muscle mass as determined by DXA scans, but were able to walk 400 m without assistance within 15 min. Participants were followed up for up to 3 years. The nutrition intervention was carried out mainly by individual nutrition counseling. Nutrition goals included achieving a daily protein intake of 1.0-1.2 g/kg body weight, energy intake of 25-30 kcal/kg of body weight/day, and serum vitamin D concentration ≥ 75 mmol/L. Survey on the method strategies and feasibility of the nutrition intervention was sent to all nutrition interventionists of the 16 SPRINTT study sites. Results: Nutrition interventionists from all study sites responded to the survey. All responders found that the SPRINTT nutrition intervention was feasible for the target population, and it was well received by the majority. The identification of participants at nutritional risk was accomplished by combining information from interviews, questionnaires, clinical and laboratory data. Although the nutrition intervention was mainly carried out using individual nutritional counselling, other assisting methods were used as appropriate. Conclusion: The SPRINTT nutrition intervention was feasible and able to adapt flexibly to varying needs of this heterogeneous population. The procedures adopted to identify older adults at risk of malnutrition and to design the appropriate intervention may serve as a model to deliver nutrition intervention for community-dwelling older people with mobility limitations. Keywords: Energy intake; Nutrition counselling; Nutrition intervention; Protein intake; SPRINTT.University of Helsinki including Helsinki University Central Hospital Innovative Medicine Initiative (IMI) Juho Vainio foundatio