Low Friend Connection Leads to Low Functional Capacity of Older Adults: Findings From a 2-year Longitudinal Study

• Published in: Innovation in aging 2021-12, Vol.5 (Supplement_1), p.918-918
• Main Authors: Takase, Mai, Takahashi, Kyo, Ogino, Ryogo, Tanaka, Tomoki, Goto, Jun, Iijima, Katsuya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2399-5300; 2399-5300
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.3327

Maintaining personal connections in geriatric years is important to sustain the functional capacity of older adults. In this study, we define the term functional capacity as the ability to perform tasks and activities necessary for one’s independent life. Meanwhile, the type of personal connection and its effect on functional capacity remain unclear. We classified personal connections into connections with family or friends and examined their association with the functional capacity of independently living Japanese older adults. A two-year longitudinal study (2016 and 2018) was conducted using data from the Kashiwa Cohort Study. The amount of personal connections was determined using the Lubben Social Network Scale. The Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence was used to assess participants’ functional capacity. The change in functional capacity was analyzed by binomial logistic regression analysis (N=638, reference: group with high family and friend connection). The results showed a decline in the functional capacity of the group with low friend and family connections (odds ratio (OR): 0.48, 95%CI: 0.29–0.82). This trend was also seen for the group with a high family connection but low friend connection (OR: 0.43, 95%CI: 0.24–0.78). Meanwhile, there was no significant difference between the reference group and the group with low family but high friend connection (OR: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.47–1.56). The results imply the importance of having a friend for sustainable functional capacity in old age. Interventions that facilitate friend-to-friend interactions or promote new friendships among older adults can be considered as support strategies.