Profiling oral health status and self-reported swallowing difficulties in adults with healthy aging and adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a population-based analysis from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Project Summary

Swallowing, the ability to eat and drink, is a critical life skill that determines quality of life. Aging is associated with neurological and physiological changes that can result in age-related swallowing difficulties. Conditions such as long-term respiratory disease, which is more common in older adults, further increase the risk of swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Dysphagia can result in poor nutrition, dehydration and poor immunity, which can trigger other adverse health issues. The aging population in Canada is estimated to grow over the next 3 decades. It is therefore critical to understand the needs of seniors and plan appropriate healthcare services to meet their needs. We aim to use the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging to collect data regarding swallowing difficulties in older Canadian adults, and to investigate dysphagia it varies across different groups according to sex, gender, education level, income, chronic respiratory disease, and other factors.