Background: Appetite loss in older adults raises the risk of malnutrition and frailty. The recent emphasis on psychological and social support for appetite loss reveals the importance of robust social networks. Depression is linked to a decline in appetite and social networks. Social networks may influence appetite directly and indirectly through depression. This exploratory cross-sectional study categorizes social networks into family and friend networks to elucidate their direct and indirect effects. Methods: The study analyzed 193 community-dwelling older adults (women 78.2%; mean age 77.1±5.3 years) who participated in health-checkup events in two cities in Japan. Appetite was assessed using the Japanese version of the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire, and family and friend networks were assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6. Depression was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Based on previous research, we constructed a causal model examining the impacts of family and friend social networks and depression on appetite and calculated the direct and indirect effects through structural equation modeling. Results: The family network had a direct effect on appetite (path coefficient=0.18) and an indirect effect via depression (path coefficient=0.0608). Conversely, the friend network was not directly associated with appetite but had an indirect effect through depression (path coefficient=0.095). The model exhibited a good fit. The mechanism of influence on appetite varied between the networks. Conclusion To prevent appetite loss, social networks with family and friends should be assessed separately, and tailored support should be provided for each.

Background: Appetite loss in older adults raises the risk of malnutrition and frailty. The recent emphasis on psychological and social support for appetite loss reveals the importance of robust social networks. Depression is linked to a decline in appetite and social networks. Social networks may influence appetite directly and indirectly through depression. This exploratory cross-sectional study categorizes social networks into family and friend networks to elucidate their direct and indirect effects. Methods: The study analyzed 193 community-dwelling older adults (women 78.2%; mean age 77.1±5.3 years) who participated in health-checkup events in two cities in Japan. Appetite was assessed using the Japanese version of the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire, and family and friend networks were assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6. Depression was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Based on previous research, we constructed a causal model examining the impacts of family and friend social networks and depression on appetite and calculated the direct and indirect effects through structural equation modeling. Results: The family network had a direct effect on appetite (path coefficient=0.18) and an indirect effect via depression (path coefficient=0.0608). Conversely, the friend network was not directly associated with appetite but had an indirect effect through depression (path coefficient=0.095). The model exhibited a good fit. The mechanism of influence on appetite varied between the networks. Conclusion To prevent appetite loss, social networks with family and friends should be assessed separately, and tailored support should be provided for each.

Background: Appetite loss in older adults raises the risk of malnutrition and frailty. The recent emphasis on psychological and social support for appetite loss reveals the importance of robust social networks. Depression is linked to a decline in appetite and social networks. Social networks may influence appetite directly and indirectly through depression. This exploratory cross-sectional study categorizes social networks into family and friend networks to elucidate their direct and indirect effects. Methods: The study analyzed 193 community-dwelling older adults (women 78.2%; mean age 77.1±5.3 years) who participated in health-checkup events in two cities in Japan. Appetite was assessed using the Japanese version of the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire, and family and friend networks were assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6. Depression was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Based on previous research, we constructed a causal model examining the impacts of family and friend social networks and depression on appetite and calculated the direct and indirect effects through structural equation modeling. Results: The family network had a direct effect on appetite (path coefficient=0.18) and an indirect effect via depression (path coefficient=0.0608). Conversely, the friend network was not directly associated with appetite but had an indirect effect through depression (path coefficient=0.095). The model exhibited a good fit. The mechanism of influence on appetite varied between the networks. Conclusion To prevent appetite loss, social networks with family and friends should be assessed separately, and tailored support should be provided for each.

Objectives: Increasing activity levels in older people is important for maintaining quality of life and ameliorating the risks of morbidity related to falls, depression, and dementia. This study aimed to clarify the seasonal variation effects on total energy expenditure, number of steps, time spent in low- and moderate- or high-intensity physical activities, and daily activities performed.Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 22 community-dwelling older individuals (3 men, 19 women; mean age, 75.1 ± 7.3 years) living in three districts of Gero, Gifu, who participated in the Gero Salon Project hosted by the Social Welfare Councils. Evaluations were conducted in each season from September 2016 to August 2017. We used a uniaxial accelerometer, the Lifecorder device, which measures physical activity, and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly to evaluate activities of daily living. Data were analyzed using the multiple comparisons (Bonferroni correction) method.Results: Total energy expenditure and time spent in moderate- or high-intensity activities did not show seasonal variations. However, the lowest number of steps was taken during the winter, and the number of steps increased significantly from winter to spring. The time spent in low-intensity physical activities was significantly longer in the spring and summer than in the winter. There was no significant seasonal difference in total Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly score, leisure activities, domestic activities, or work-related activities. However, there was a significant difference between the summer and winter scores in “outdoor gardening,” with the lowest score observed during the winter.Conclusions: With climate changes in the winter months, “outdoor gardening” becomes difficult, thus decreasing the number of steps taken. Therefore, it is necessary to identify other ways for older people to maintain physical activity during the winter season.