The prevalence of functional limitations and disability in older persons in the US: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III

J Am Geriatr Soc. 2000 Sep;48(9):1132-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2000.tb04791.x.

Abstract

Objective: To provide estimates by sex and age and by sex and race/ethnicity of the proportion of older Americans who have difficulty with functional limitations and daily activities.

Setting: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) 1988-1994.

Design: A cross-sectional nationally representative survey.

Participants: All persons aged 60 and older who completed a household interview (N = 6,866) during NHANES III (conducted 1988-1994).

Measurements: The self-reported physical and functional disability questions from NHANES III included: lower-extremity function, instrumental activities of daily living, basic activities of daily living, needing help with personal and routine daily activities, and use of assistive devices for walking.

Results: Non-Hispanic black and Mexican-American men and women generally reported significantly (P < .01) more disability than did non-Hispanic white men and women. Disability was greater for minority women than for men. For both men and women, the prevalence in disability increased significantly (P < .01) with age for each measure.

Conclusions: These sex-age and sex-race/ethnicity national estimates of disability indicate that minority women may represent a vulnerable subpopulation.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living*
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged / statistics & numerical data*
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Disabled Persons / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Needs Assessment
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Population Surveillance
  • Prevalence
  • Racial Groups
  • Sex Distribution
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States