Higher-Level Functional Capacity Associated with Social Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between higher-level functional capacity and social frailty in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 63 older adults aged 74.7 years on average. Higher-level functional capacity was evaluated using a questionnaire-based scale called the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence. Social frailty was defined using a questionnaire with five questions. We also assessed for physical frailty, grip strength, walking speed, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass. The factors contributing to the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence were investigated using multiple regression analyses.

Results: The median score of the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence was 11.0. The prevalence and total scores of social frailty were 27.0% and 1.0 point. The Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence was significantly associated with social frailty (β = -0.438) and walking speed (β=0.353).

Conclusions: This study demonstrated the significant associations between higher-level functional capacity and social frailty in community-dwelling older adults. 

Keywords: Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence; Social status; Waking speed; Community-dwelling older adults; Pilot cross-sectional study.