Sex differences in level and rate-of-change of self-reported physical function and grip strength in the Danish 1905-cohort study

Anna Oksuzyan, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research
Heiner Maier, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research
Matt McGue, University of Minnesota
Kaare Christensen, University of Southern Denmark

The study was conducted to examine sex differences in the level and rate-of-change in physical health and in the associations of growth parameters with lifespan. The analysis included all Danes born in 1905 and alive in 1998, when the baseline survey was conducted. A total of 2,262 persons (62.8%) aged 92-93 participated at intake. The survivors from previous waves were followed-up in 2000, 2003 and 2005. Hence, we fully used the power of having a cohort with multiple assessments in late life and virtually complete follow-up of survival status (available until January 2008). Change in grip strength and physical function was analyzed using latent growth curve modeling. Men had higher initial level and rate-of-change in physical function and grip strength. The initial level of physical function was more predictive of mortality than the rate-of-change, but the predictive effects were similar in men and women.