An association between incident disability and depressive symptoms over 3 years of follow-up among older women: the Women's Health and Aging Study.

Background And Aims: To examine the impact of new disability on the incidence of depressive symptoms, with 3-year biannual data from The Woman's Health and Aging Study.

Methods: Subjects (n=671) were selected if they were independent at baseline in 5 basic activities of daily living (ADLs) and were not depressed [scored <14 on the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS; range 0 to 30)]. During the follow-ups, worsening of ADL disability (needed help on an increased number of ADLs) and onset of depressive symptoms (GDS score > or =14) were defined.

Use of the Short Physical Performance Battery Score to predict loss of ability to walk 400 meters: analysis from the InCHIANTI study.

Background: Early detection of mobility limitations remains an important goal for preventing mobility disability. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the loss of ability to walk 400 m, an objectively assessed mobility outcome increasingly used in clinical trials.

Methods: The study sample consisted of 542 adults from the InCHIANTI study aged 65 and older, who completed the 400 m walk at baseline and had evaluations on the SPPB and 400 m walk at baseline and 3-year follow-up.

Age-associated declines in complex walking task performance: the Walking InCHIANTI toolkit.

Objectives: To describe a set of complex walking tasks (CWTs) that can be used to evaluate mobility and to characterize age- and sex-specific performance on these tests.

Design: A population-based study of persons living in the Chianti geographic area (Tuscany, Italy).

Setting: Community.

Association of executive function and performance of dual-task physical tests among older adults: analyses from the InChianti study.

Background: previous studies have reported an association between cognitive function and physical performance, particularly among older adults.

Objective: to examine the association between executive function and performance difference on complex versus usual walking tasks in a sample of non-demented older adults.

Design: population-based epidemiological study of older people residing in the Chianti area (Tuscany, Italy).

Midlife physical activity and mobility in older age: The InCHIANTI study.

Background: Among older adults, loss of mobility represents a critical stage in the disablement process, whereby the risk for disability is significantly increased. Physical activity is a modifiable risk factor that is associated with reduced risk of losing mobility in older adulthood; however, few studies have examined physical activity performed earlier in life in relation to mobility later in life.

Methods: Data from a population-based study of 1155 adults aged 65 years and older living in the Chianti region of Italy in 1998-2000 were analyzed in 2005 and 2006.

Low socioeconomic status and disability in old age: evidence from the InChianti study for the mediating role of physiological impairments.

Background: Low socioeconomic status (SES) has been associated with increased risk of disability in later life. The purpose of this study was to determine if SES has an impact on mobility functioning and to explore which physiological impairments are also associated with SES and may explain its relationship with mobility.

Methods: The study sample consisted of 1025 individuals aged 65 years or older residing in the Chianti area (Italy).