Cross-Sectional Study of Chewing Activity and Competence of Daily Living in Elderly Residents

• Published in: SEIKATSU EISEI (Journal of Urban Living and Health Association) Vol. 46; no. 1; pp. 13 - 21
• Main Authors: YOSHIDA, Yukie, HATANAKA, Yoshiko, OGAWA, Yukiko, IMAKI, Masahide, TAKABATAKE, Shinichi, SHINSYO, Fumiaki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Osaka Urban Living and Health Association 30.01.2002
• Subjects: Chewing Activity; Competence of Daily Living; Elderly Residents; Life environment
• ISSN: 0582-4176; 1883-6631
• DOI: 10.11468/seikatsueisei1957.46.13

The intent of the present study is to gather basic information related to oral health that is important in extending healthy life of the aged. An all-exclusive survey of residents aged 70 years or older who were living in a mountain village in central Hyogo Prefecture was conducted; and the correlation between their masticatory functions and parameters such as health status and activities of daily living was analyzed. Similar tendencies were recognized in this study: statistical significance was found for many of the parameters related to interactions with the local community for men; and for those parameters related to the utilization of community services for women. There was a high probability that those men and women who can masticate well (without any masticatory problems), enjoy a wide range of daily activities, delight in congenial relations with other aged individuals in the neighborhood, and their physical condition is healthy. The number of women who consider eating as one of the pleasures in their life was significantly high, indicating that those with a satisfactory masticatory function enjoy a good dietary habit. It was found, on the other hand, that those with some form of masticatory difficulty lead a less active daily or social life. The results of the present study on the aged residing in a specified area indicated that those with a satisfactory masticatory functions enjoy a higher quality of life.