Persistent, consistent, widespread, and robust? Another look at recent trends in old-age disability

Robert F Schoeni; Vicki A Freedman; Robert B Wallace

doi:10.1093/geronb/56.4.S206

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Persistent, consistent, widespread, and robust? Another look at recent trends in old-age disability

Journal article

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Persistent, consistent, widespread, and robust? Another look at recent trends in old-age disability

Robert F Schoeni, Vicki A Freedman and Robert B Wallace

The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences, Vol.56(4), pp.S206-S218

2001

DOI: 10.1093/geronb/56.4.S206

PMID: 11445613

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Abstract

Objective. The purpose of this study was to provide new evidence on disability trends among elderly persons from 1982 to 1996. Methods. The sample includes 124,949 participants aged 70 and older in the 1982-1996 National Health Interview Surveys. Logistic analysis was used to estimate the trend in disability prevalence after controlling for various sociodemographic factors. Results. We found that: (a) the prevalence of disability has declined, but the gains did not persist throughout the entire period or accelerate over time; (b) only routine care disability has declined, whereas more severe personal care disability shows no improvements; (c) estimates are robust to the exclusion of the nursing home population but may be sensitive to growth in the assisted living population; (d) estimates of decline in disability prevalence are fairly consistent across five national surveys; (e) gains have been concentrated among the most educated elderly persons; and (f) gains in education appear to be an important confounder of the improvements. Discussion. Evidence from several surveys using various measures indicates that disability has declined among elderly persons. Determining the causes of the improvements should be a high priority in future research efforts.

Developmental Psychology

Adult. Elderly

Biological and medical sciences

Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology

Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry

Psychology. Psychophysiology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Persistent, consistent, widespread, and robust? Another look at recent trends in old-age disability
Creators: Robert F Schoeni - RAND Corporation
Vicki A Freedman - Abramson Center for Jewish Life
Robert B Wallace - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences, Vol.56(4), pp.S206-S218
DOI: 10.1093/geronb/56.4.S206
PMID: 11445613
NLM abbreviation: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci
ISSN: 1079-5014
eISSN: 1758-5368
Publisher: Gerontological Society of America
Language: English
Date published: 2001
Academic Unit: Epidemiology; Injury Prevention Research Center; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984364450602771

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