The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship among ingestion and swallowing disorder, life satis faction, and social activity of the independent-living elderly aged 65-85 with a high level of physical activity. Questions regarding social activity (IADL), life satisfaction (modified PGC Morale Scale), eating habits, masticatory ability, and ingestion and swal lowingdisorders were given to the following groups of 71 subjects:(1) 29 males and 26 females (mean age 72.3 years) who usually play volleyball in a public health center club and, (2) 16 males (mean age 75.6 years) who practice kendo (Japanese fencing). Oral examinations, evaluations for occlusal force by using “Dental PrescaleTM”, modified water swallowing test and food test were performed.
The results were as follows.
1) The factors indicating statistically significant data with regard to life satisfaction as a dependent variable using stepwise regression were swallowing disorder and masticatory ability.
2) The factors indicating statistically significant data with regard to social activity as a dependent variable using stepwise regression was ingestion and swallowing disorder.
3) The results of this study revealed close relation shipsamong ingestion and swallowing disorder, life satisfaction and social activity. Therefore, this study suggests the importance of oral function among the elderly who practice an independent life style.
