Higher Activity and Quality of Life Correlates with Swallowing Function in Older Adults with Low Activities of Daily Living

Introduction The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship among swallowing function, activity, and quality of life (QOL) in older adults with low activities of daily living (ADL). Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional study. In total, 271 Japanese adults aged over 65 years who underwent medical intervention at their residence (male: n = 107; female: n = 164; mean age = 84.6 ± 8.3 years) participated. We collected data regarding age, sex, body mass index (BMI), residence (their house/nursing home), activity status, consciousness level (eye response), history of aspiration pneumonia, other medical history, number of medication types, frequency of going out, and time spent away from bed. We judged consciousness level (eye response) using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), calculated the Charlson comorbidity index, measured QOL using the short version of the Quality of Life Questionnaire for Dementia (short QOL-D), and assessed swallowing function using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). To examine the relationship between scores for the FOIS and the other variables, we used the Spearman rank correlation coefficient and ordinal logistic regression analysis. Results The FOIS was strongly correlated with BMI (ρ = 0.47), activity status (ρ = -0.60), GCS (ρ = -0.41), time spent away from bed (ρ = 0.56), scores for the short QOL-D (ρ = 0.40), weakly correlated with history of aspiration pneumonia (ρ = -0.27), and frequency of going out (ρ = 0.39). Results for the ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that the FOIS was associated with activity status, frequency of going out, time spent away from bed, and scores for the short QOL-D. Conclusion The swallowing function of older adults with low ADL was related to their QOL and activities, such as time spent away from bed and home. Thus, in rehabilitation programs for swallowing function in older adults, not only functional but also psychological approaches may prove effective.