Trends in Chronic Disease and Disability Among Older Adults in the U.S.
Author Information
Author(s): Hung William W, Ross Joseph S, Boockvar Kenneth S, Siu Albert L
Primary Institution: Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Hypothesis
To examine concurrent prevalence trends of chronic disease, impairment and disability among older adults.
Conclusion
Multiple chronic disease is increasingly prevalent among older U.S. adults, whereas the prevalence of impairment and disability, while substantial, remain stable.
Supporting Evidence
- The proportion of older adults reporting no chronic disease decreased from 13.1% in 1998 to 7.8% in 2008.
- The proportion reporting 4 or more diseases increased from 11.7% in 1998 to 17.4% in 2008.
- The proportion of older adults reporting any ADL or IADL disability was 26.3% in 1998 and 25.4% in 2008.
- Prevalence of visual and cognitive impairments declined slightly, while urinary incontinence increased.
- Despite the rise in chronic diseases, the prevalence of impairments and disabilities remained stable.
Takeaway
As people get older, more of them have multiple chronic diseases, but the number of people with disabilities or impairments hasn't really changed much.
Methodology
Analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study across three waves (1998, 2004, 2008) focusing on chronic diseases, impairments, and disabilities.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may introduce bias, although prior studies suggest good concordance with medical records.
Limitations
Study limited to community-dwelling respondents, excluding those in nursing homes, which may affect prevalence rates.
Participant Demographics
Average age 74.6, 57.3% female, 89.1% white, 55.1% married.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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