Abstract
Our study examined the associations between overall cardiovascular health (CVH) and the risk of disability in older adults over 16 years of follow-up. Data from the InCHIANTI study were used and included 928 participants aged 65 years and older. Overall CVH was measured using the "Life's Essential 8" (LE8) metric. Disability status was assessed by the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Higher overall LE8 score at baseline was associated with lower risks of having the first ADL among males (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.66, p = 0.001) and IADL disability event (HR = 0.89, p = 0.016) using the Cox proportional hazards model. Higher LE8 scores were also associated with ADL (odds ratio [OR] (females) = 0.80, p = 0.034; OR (males) = 0.55, p < 0.001) and IADL worsening (OR = 0.72, p < 0.001) using Generalized Estimating Equation models. Among older adults, better CVH assessed by the LE8 metric was associated with lower risk of ADL and IADL disabilities and their worsening over time. These findings underscore the importance of promoting CVH as a key strategy to support healthy aging and reduce disability burden. Public health interventions that target CVH components may be effective in preserving functional independence among older populations.