Perceived Swallowing Disorders in Healthy Aging Individuals: Impact on Quality of Life

With large numbers of Americans over 65 years of age, millions of elderly individuals
could be at risk for swallowing disorders or dysphagia. These disorders can greatly affect
a person’s quality of life and health. While the aging process in a healthy individual does
not necessarily lead to impaired swallowing, aging can lead to changes in the swallowing
process, known as presbyphagia (Robbins, et al., 1992). Further data is needed regarding
prevalence, effects of lifestyle, and relationship with fatigue and swallowing abilities in healthy aging
individuals. The purpose of this study was to: investigate the prevalence of self-reported swallowing
difficulties in a healthy aging population; determine if age, ethnicity, or gender impact whether healthy
aging individuals perceive swallowing problems; and, if individuals reporting swallowing difficulties
experience avoidance of social situations or if fatigue relates as a factor in presbyphagia. A significantly
greater proportion of Hispanic Americans indicated swallowing difficulties than expected by chance,
18.8% "No" vs. 40.5% "Yes" (p = .0035). Further analysis indicated those who self-reported swallowing
difficulties were less socially engaged (t = 1.75, p = .048) and, for people who self-reported swallowing
difficulties a significant correlation between reduced social aspects of life and increased level of fatigue
(r = -.473, p = .003).Previous studies have reported mealtime anxiety and avoidance of eating with
other people in elderly individuals (Ekberg, 2002). Overall, the negative social impact from
presbyphagia can seriously affect an individual’s quality of life, however, early identification of
swallowing difficulties and remediation may be beneficial.