Longitudinal Associations of Social Support and Gait Speed Decline in Aging.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Social support predicts functional and cognitive decline in aging. Yet, the associations between social support and gait speed decline-a functional vital sign-are not well understood. This study examined associations between social support and gait speed decline in aging.

Methods

Social support and gait data from 542 older adults without dementia were examined (mean age 76.1 ± 6.5 years). Baseline emotional support, tangible support, affectionate support, positive social interactions, and overall support from the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey were the predictors of interest. Annual change in simple (normal pace walking) and complex (walking while reciting alternate letters of the alphabet) gait speed (cm/s) were the outcomes of interest. Linear mixe

SUBMITTER: Pollak C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10851671 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature