Chewing ability and quality of life among the elderly residing in a rural community in Japan

The present study statistically evaluates the relationship between chewing ability and quality of life (QOL) in elderly Japanese residents. We used a subjective evaluation and a mastication score determined by the food intake status to evaluate chewing ability. The PGC morale scale was used to evalu ate the QOL level. The mastication score was significantly related to the Q OL level in the subject group (P < 0.05). The relationship between the subj ective evaluation of chewing ability and the score on the PGC morale scale showed a similar tendency. In the section of the PGC morale scale that asse sses agitation, attitude towards own aging,' and lonely dissatisfaction, ch ewing ability was correlated with attitude toward own. aging in, particular (P < 0.05). These results have suggested that the chewing ability is close ly related to the QOL of the elderly residing in a rural community in Japan .