41DIFFERENCES IN PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE ACROSS A MULTI-ETHNIC COHORT OF OLDER ADULTS: INSIGHTS FROM THE HEALTHY AGING RESEARCH INITIATIVE

Abstract

Introduction: Physical performance (PP) tests have been developed to measure physical function of older adults, and their relationship with various health outcomes, such as frailty. We aimed to explore differences in PP in relation to health and lifestyle factors among ethnically diverse community-dwelling older adults from one geographic area. Methods: Objective measures of upper (grip strength (GS), arm curls (AC)) and lower (chair stands (CS)) body strength and mobility (gait speed (GSp), steps-in-2-minutes) were assessed across African-American, Afro-Caribbean, Hispanic, and European-Americans aged 60+ living in Florida and participating in the Healthy Aging Research Initiative (HARI) study. Participant characteristics and PP measures were compared amongst ethnic and age groups (dichotomised at 75 years) using ANOVA. Multivariable linear regression models were explored, stratified by ethnicity, to identify health and lifestyle factors associated with poor PP. Results: Overall 578 participants had PP assessed; 105 African-American, 209 European-American, 122 Hispanic and 142 Afro-Caribbean; 72% (417/578) female, mean age 74.2. The European-American cohort consisted of a higher proportion of men (82/209; 39%) and were slightly older (mean age 77). PP measures are summarised in Table 1. European-Americans had better performance in CS and GSp and Hispanics worse steps-in-2-minutes test. GS was similar amongst ethnicities and also by age group within African-American and Afro-Caribbean cohorts. Multivariable models showed no association between upper body strength and gender in Afro-Caribbeans; however associations between GSp and GS with depression risk was greater than for other ethnic groups. Model fit statistics (adjusted R2) showed higher variance in GS explained by measured covariates in the European-American and Hispanic cohorts (both 53%) compared with African-American and Afro-Caribbean cohorts (23-26%). Conclusion: PP measures and associated risk factors, including the effects of unmeasured determinants, varied across ethnic groups. Better understanding of ethnic differences in physical health will help in designing interventions and recognising unmet needs for health and social services. (Table Presented).