Comparison between older adults and youth with body constitution: A cross-sectional study

Traditional Chinese medicine constitutional theory and diagnostic systems are conducive to promoting health and delaying aging, along with the concept of healthy aging advocated by the World Health Organization. This study aimed to use these diagnostic systems to compare and analyze the constitutional characteristics of older adults and young individuals to identify key areas for healthcare for older adults. This cross-sectional, case-controlled, observational study was conducted in an outpatient setting. The Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire is a traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic tool that categorizes patients into 9 constitutional types based on symptoms and signs, facilitating disease prediction and prevention. The study participants were categorized into senior and young groups based on age, and their constitutional characteristics were analyzed using the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire. The analysis revealed that comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio = 230.9, 95% confidence interval = 25.7-30,823.7) and Blood-stasis constitution (adjusted odds ratio = 16.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-2330.9) were the main differences between older adults and young individuals. Subgroup analysis further indicated a significant association between Blood-stasis constitution and osteoarthritis (P = .043). The findings suggest that comorbid diseases and Blood-stasis constitution are key distinguishing characteristics of older adults compared to young individuals. This discovery provides an important basis for seniors' healthcare and emphasizes that the Blood-stasis constitution should be a focus area for health intervention and disease prevention in the elderly.