Psychosocial Factors Associated With Reduced Muscle Mass, Strength, and Function in Residential Care Apartment Complex Residents

Sarcopenia is a major source of disability in older adults. However, limited data are available about sarcopenia components (i.e., muscle mass, strength, and function) and their relationship to psychosocial factors among older adults living in residential care apartment complexes (RCACs). The current study examined muscle mass, strength, and function and explored their relationship to self-efficacy for exercise, depressive symptoms, and social support in 31 RCAC residents. RCAC residents had lower muscle mass, strength, and function compared to values reported in studies of community-dwelling older adults. Men had higher muscle mass and strength than women. The current findings showed a trend for individuals with high self-efficacy, without depressive symptoms, and with strong social support to present numerically greater muscle mass, strength, and function. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm the current study findings and inform development of interventions implemented in RCAC settings.