Mouth-related functional problems and vulnerability among community-dwelling older Canadians: evidence from the Canadian Health Survey on Seniors

Abstract: Introduction: Community-dwelling seniors in Canada face many challenges, including declining oral function, that may substantiate vulnerabilities associated with aging in place like social isolation, impaired mobility, and greater care needs. This study analyzes the effects of functional mouth problems, namely discomfort while eating and avoiding foods while eating due to mouth problems, and additionally poor/fair perceived oral health, on the vulnerability outcomes of loneliness, fear of falling, and receipt of informal home care associated with aging in place among Canadian Seniors. Methods: Secondary analysis of the Canadian Health Survey on Seniors (CHSS), which included information on oral health, socioeconomic status, and daily habits among over 42,000 respondents, allowed assembly of a 32,756-respondent sample set and survey-weighted population estimate post-exclusion. Primary Analysis, using descriptive and regression methods, examined the effects of experiencing discomfort while eating, whilst secondary analysis examined avoidance of foods and perceived oral health values on senior vulnerability outcomes. Results: Both study analyses revealed that all variables associated with oral function exposure were linked to high loneliness and fear of falling, and to receiving informal home care, with the exception of a weaker association between receipt of informal home care and perceived oral health. Discussion: Other studies of oral function and its effects on the vulnerability of the senior population reported findings comparable to this study, indicating that oral functional problems are associated with generally higher vulnerability outcomes. Conclusion: Discomfort while eating and avoiding foods may be potential indicators of vulnerability associated with aging in place among Canadian seniors.