New Framework for Classifying Older Adults in Long-Term Care

Thu 22nd May, 2025

Recent research has unveiled a new classification system aimed at better understanding the diverse needs of older adults who require long-term care. This study, originating from the University of Tsukuba, offers a structured approach to categorize individuals aged 65 and older, highlighting their physical and cognitive conditions.

Older adults often face a variety of disabilities that can complicate their care and treatment. Recognizing the limitations of interventions focused on singular impairments, researchers have emphasized the importance of a comprehensive understanding of these individuals' complex needs. The findings were published in the esteemed Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.

Utilizing advanced unsupervised machine learning techniques, the researchers assessed data from older adults enrolled in long-term care insurance programs in two Japanese cities, Tsukuba City and Kashiwa City. They based their classifications on 74 criteria primarily associated with physical and cognitive functions, gathered through a standardized survey designed to assess care needs.

The analysis conducted in Tsukuba City led to the identification of five distinct functional subtypes: 1) mild physical, 2) mild cognitive, 3) moderate physical, 4) moderate multicomponent, and 5) severe multicomponent. This classification was further validated using data from Kashiwa City, reinforcing its reliability.

In examining the prognosis associated with these classifications, distinct patterns emerged. The severe multicomponent subtype exhibited a significantly elevated risk of mortality and the need for admission to long-term care facilities. Conversely, those characterized as moderate physical were found to have a heightened risk of hospitalization, while the moderate multicomponent subtype showed a notable risk of deterioration in care needs.

These insights are crucial for caregivers and healthcare providers as they navigate the complexities of long-term care. Understanding these classifications can guide the development of tailored treatment strategies and interventions, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to older adults.

Future investigations will focus on identifying optimal medical and long-term care services specific to each functional subtype, with the goal of improving care quality and efficiency for this vulnerable population.

For further details, refer to the study: Yoko Hamasaki et al, "Subtypes of Older Adults Starting Long-Term Care in Japan: Application of Latent Class Analysis," published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2025.105589


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