Association between locomotive syndrome and anemia among community‐dwelling older adults

Abstract

AimTo investigate the association between locomotive syndrome and anemia among community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted at specific health checkup centers in Japan between 2019 and 2020. We sent a questionnaire to older adults aged ≥65 years who participated in health checkups. A total of 2507 community‐dwelling older adults were included in this study (mean age = 72.3 years, 51.4% women). Locomotive syndrome was measured using a 25‐question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale with a score range of 0–100, and was defined as ≥16 points. Anemia was defined using World Health Organization criteria, as a hemoglobin concentration of <13.0 g/dL in men and <12.0 g/dL in women. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between locomotive syndrome and anemia, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, depression symptoms, self‐reported comorbidities (cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, knee osteoarthritis, fractures, and spinal disease), hypertension, and renal function.ResultsOf all the participants, 11.6% had locomotive syndrome and 12.8% had anemia. Even after adjustment, a relationship between locomotive syndrome and anemia was observed (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.3–2.7).ConclusionsCommunity‐dwelling older adults with anemia had a significantly higher prevalence of locomotive syndrome than those without. This finding suggests that older adults with anemia are at risk of locomotive syndrome, and appropriate measures should be taken for prevention. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 426–429.