OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) with disability and physical performance. METHOD: Wave 1 data were from Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study ( n = 2,827). Lipoprotein profiles were measured using blood samples. Disability and physical functioning were measured with activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs/IADLs) and objective assessment of physical performance. RESULTS: Lower HDL-C was associated with greater ADL disability, and lower TC with longer time to pick-a-pencil and Time-Up-Go (TUG) test. Age interacted between (a) TG and lung function, chair stands, and pick-a-pencil, and (b) HDL-C and TUG. Stratification showed lower TG and longer time picking up a pencil only for those above 84 years. Based on significant interactions with sex, lower TC was associated with slower chair stand time in women and higher HDL-C with slower chair stand time in men. DISCUSSION: Lower levels of lipoproteins may suggest worse physical function, but the association may differ by sex.

Duke University Durham NC USA

Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD USA

Pennsylvania State University State College USA

St Anne's University Hospital Brno Czech Republic

University of South Florida FL USA

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