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One-third of older adults experience physical limitations that lead to reduced mobility, disability, institutionalization and mortality. But managing risk factors for cardiovascular disease could help, according to a new study.

In a study published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, researchers from Hebrew SeniorLife, the Boston University School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School, Tufts University and the University of Pittsburgh found that managing cardiovascular disease risk factors could play a role in preserving physical function during the aging process.

The study, which found that vascular measures were associated with grip strength and change in gait speed, is one of the first community-based studies to comprehensively examine the connection between aortic stiffness and vascular function with age-related decline in physical function, according to the researchers.

“Approximately 10% of older adults have muscle weakness and diminished physical function that leads to adverse health outcomes and physical disability,” lead author Shivani Sahni, PhD, said in a press release. “Since loss of physical function contributes to reduced mobility, disability, institutionalization and mortality, management of CVD risk factors can help preserve physical function with age.”

Higher aortic stiffness was associated with loss of physical function over approximately 11 years, said Sahni, an associate scientist at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife. Arterial stiffening results from decreased blood flow with aging, leading to declines in muscle mass. Few studies have specifically looked at the role of vascular function and changes in functional mobility and muscle strength.

Future studies, the researchers said, should look at whether interventions that target vascular health reduce age-related declines in physical function. Sahni said that the research is important because many individuals could be helped.

“There is a need for development of novel interventions that target prevention of physical limitations in older adults,” she said.

The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease; the Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s Framingham Heart Study; and the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research Grants in Aid Program Award.