Background: Phase angle, which is associated with cellular health, has attracted attention as a noninvasive and objective method for nutritional assessment. However, the association between malnutrition and phase angle in older inpatients with hip fractures has not been reported. Therefore, this study investigated this association in older inpatients (aged ≥65 years) with hip fractures and determined the cutoff phase angle for determining malnutrition.Methods: This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed the data of 96 inpatients with hip fractures who were hospitalized in rehabilitation units after surgery (male, 29.4%; mean age, 82.4±6.2 years). Nutritional status was assessed using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), with malnutrition defined as a GNRI ≥98. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to measure phase angles. Results: The phase angle was associated with malnutrition (B=−1.173; odds ratio=0.310; 95% confidence interval 0.58–0.83; p=0.015). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.71. The cutoff phase angle for malnutrition was 3.96° (sensitivity=0.85, specificity=0.63). Conclusion: Phase angle could be an indicator of malnutrition in older inpatients with hip fractures. Our findings will help formulate rehabilitation strategies for these patients.

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the association between phase angle (PhA) and physical activity intensity in community-dwelling older Japanese adults. The intensity and time of physical activity for predicting high PhA were also examined. This study involved 67 community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 78.3 ± 5.5; female: 83.6%). We measured the physical activity and body composition of the participants. Physical activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer, and light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) hours per day were calculated from the results. Body composition was measured using Inbody S10, and the PhA was calculated from the measurements of the right side of the body. Bayesian statistical modeling revealed an association between PhA and MVPA (β = 0.256; p = 0.022; 95% Bayesian confidence interval [CI] = 0.001, 0.012), but not LPA (β = −0.113; p = 0.341; 95% Bayesian CI = −0.002, 0.001), even after adjustment for confounders. The cutoff value of MVPA predicting high PhA, calculated by the receiver operator characteristic curve, was 19.7 min/d (sensitivity = 0.906; specificity = 0.429). These results can be used to develop strategies to increase PhA in older adults and suggest that MVPA is important in this population.

Background: Appetite loss in older adults raises the risk of malnutrition and frailty. The recent emphasis on psychological and social support for appetite loss reveals the importance of robust social networks. Depression is linked to a decline in appetite and social networks. Social networks may influence appetite directly and indirectly through depression. This exploratory cross-sectional study categorizes social networks into family and friend networks to elucidate their direct and indirect effects. Methods: The study analyzed 193 community-dwelling older adults (women 78.2%; mean age 77.1±5.3 years) who participated in health-checkup events in two cities in Japan. Appetite was assessed using the Japanese version of the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire, and family and friend networks were assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6. Depression was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Based on previous research, we constructed a causal model examining the impacts of family and friend social networks and depression on appetite and calculated the direct and indirect effects through structural equation modeling. Results: The family network had a direct effect on appetite (path coefficient=0.18) and an indirect effect via depression (path coefficient=0.0608). Conversely, the friend network was not directly associated with appetite but had an indirect effect through depression (path coefficient=0.095). The model exhibited a good fit. The mechanism of influence on appetite varied between the networks.Conclusion: To prevent appetite loss, social networks with family and friends should be assessed separately, and tailored support should be provided for each.

Background/Objectives : Decreased appetite in older adults is associated with physical activity. Prior research findings have been inconsistent or limited due to methodological differences. Many studies did not adequately control for psychological or social confounders on appetite. Therefore, we aimed to assess the relationships among appetite, physical activity, psychological factors, and social factors in community-dwelling older adults. We investigated how physical activity intensity and time of day could be associated with appetite. Methods : This cross-sectional study included 100 community-dwelling older adults. Appetite was assessed using the Japanese version of the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire. Physical activity was evaluated using an accelerometer. Physical activity intensity was classified into sedentary behavior, light-intensity activity, and moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity. Multiple regression analysis was performed with Japanese version of the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire as the dependent variable, whereas physical activity, depression (Geriatric Depression Scale-15), and social isolation (Lubben Social Network Scale-6) were the independent variables. Results : The mean Japanese version of the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire score in all participants was 15.2. Physical activity and social isolation were not associated with appetite, whereas higher levels of depression were significantly associated with lower appetite. Conclusions : No association was observed between objectively measured physical activity and appetite among community-dwelling older adults. Appetite was significantly associated with depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological factors, such as depression, for maintaining or improving appetite in older adults. Significance/Implications : Interventions targeting psychological factors might be important for maintaining and improving appetite in older adults.