Disability Trends ‘Sobering’ for Aging Americans

Researchers who investigated trends in disability among older Americans from 1988 through 2004 say their results have "significant and sobering implications" as older Americans face increased disability and society faces increased costs to meet the health care needs of Americans with disabilities.

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ARTICLE ABSTRACT

Dec 12, 2009 9:40 AM - Using data from 2 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1988-1994 and 1999-2004), researchers assessed time trends in basic activities of daily living, instrumental activities, mobility, and functional limitations for adults aged 60 years and older. They also assessed whether changes could be explained by sociodemographic, body weight, or behavioral factors.

With the exception of functional limitations, significant increases in each type of disability were seen over time among respondents aged 60 to 69 years, independent of sociodemographic characteristics, health status, relative weight, and health behaviors. Significantly greater increases occurred among non-Whites and persons who were obese or overweight, which are 2 of the fastest-growing subgroups within this population. The article's authors detected no significant trends among respondents aged 70 to 79 years. In the 80 years and older group, time trends suggested lower prevalence of functional limitations among more recent cohorts.

The study was published online ahead of print November 12 in the America Journal of Public Health.

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