Age-related changes in orofacial force generation in women

Objectives: This study was designed to assess the effect of age on orofacia l force generation. Study Design Forty women participated in a cross-sectio nal design, with 10 in each age group from 20 to 39, 40 to 59, 60 to 79, an d 80 60 100 years of age. Methods: Measures of force generation were obtain ed for the upper lip, lower lip, tongue, and jaw. Results: There were no st atistical differences among age groups, probably because of large individua l variability within groups. Trends indicated a decline, particularly after age 80 years. Conclusion: Although trends in the data suggest some decline in the function of orofacial structures with age, it is unlikely that thes e changes would noticeably affect functional communication.