Introduction
Multimorbidity, defined as two or more chronic conditions, affects many older adults and increases mortality risks. This study examined which lifestyle patterns mitigate mortality risks in people with multimorbidity and to what extent.
Methods
In the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study, a population-based longitudinal study of older adults, principal component analysis was applied to derive primary lifestyle patterns using baseline lifestyle factors, including nutrient intake, physical activity, sleep, smoking, drinking, and social engagement. Multimorbidity status was characterized based on self-reported physician diagnoses of common disease groups at baseline. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the risk of death.
Results
There were 895 (mean age: 78.2 years; 56.3% female) participants in the analysis. Two distinct lifestyle patterns emerged: (i) nutrition, characterized by a high intake of protein, fiber, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and folate; (ii) activity, highlighting weekly bowling and biking, low likelihood of snoring or sleepiness, and high social interaction. Among those with multimorbidity, including 5,643 person-years (death rate:19.67/1000), we found significant results comparing mid- with lowest tertile nutrition scores in lowering mortality risk regardless of disease groups (HR:0.55;95%CI:031,0.96) and among those with cardiovascular disease or diabetes multimorbidity (HR:0.47;95%CI:0.23,0.98); the highest versus lowest nutrition tertile scores suggested a borderline significant lower risk among those with musculoskeletal multimorbidity (HR:0.41;95%CI:0.15,1.11). While activity also reduced mortality risk, the results were not statistically significant.
Conclusion
Older adults with multimorbidity may benefit from adopting a diet rich in protein, fiber, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and folate to prolong life.