Current Status and Associated Factors of Anemia in Community-dwelling People Aged 75 Years or Older: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Anemia is widespread among older people; however, its prevalence and associated factors in people aged ≥75 years are unclear. This study aimed to clarify the current status of anemia in this cohort and to identify related factors. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, health checkup data of 18,674 adults aged ≥75 years in 42 municipalities in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, were extracted from the National Health Insurance Database System between April 2019 and March 2020. Associations between anemia and sex, age, treatment status, lifestyle habits, body composition, and weight loss were examined using the t - or Chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors associated with anemia. Results: The number of individuals with anemia was 8235 (44.1%), and anemia incidence increased with age. Logistic regression analysis showed that anemia was associated with low albumin levels (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =3.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] =2.67–3.44), thinness (AOR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.60–2.01). Other factors related to anemia included weight loss, slow walking and eating, daily drinking, and insufficient sleep. Furthermore, an analysis of the subgroup of patients aged ≥85 years showed that anemia was associated with nearly all the same factors as in the larger study group. Conclusion: As the number of older adults is expected to increase, new approaches are needed to safeguard their health. Early interventions to maintain an active physical lifestyle, healthy weight, and good oral function can lead to improved health among older adults.