Gender and incidence of functional disability in the elderly: a systematic review

Maria Aparecida Pinheiro Rodrigues,Fátima Maia,Elaine Thumé,Luiz Augusto Facchini

doi:10.1590/s0102-311x2009001500011

Maria Aparecida Pinheiro Rodrigues, Fátima Maia + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-311x2009001500011

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Abstract

This systematic review aimed to assess the effect of gender on the incidence of functional disability in the elderly. The search for publications in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ProQuest electronic databases from January 1990 to March 2008 identified 879 publications, from which 21 cohort studies were selected that evaluated gender as an independent variable and incidence of functional disability in elderly as the outcome. Review of the studies found that after adjusting for socioeconomic, health, and social relations indicators, incidence of functional disability was similar between genders. The main risk factors for functional disability in the elderly, regardless of gender, were: lack of schooling, living in rental housing, chronic diseases, arthritis, diabetes, visual impairment, body mass index above 25, poor self-perceived health, cognitive impairment, depression, slow gait, sedentary lifestyle, tiredness while performing daily activities, and limited diversity in social relations.

Highlights

This systematic review aimed to assess the effect of gender on the incidence of functional disability in the elderly
Age, socioeconomic and health conditions, and social relations determine the incidence of functional disability
Prevention of functional disability in men and women should act on the risk factors that are amenable to intervention, like sedentary lifestyle and limited diversity of social relations

Summary

Introduction

This systematic review aimed to assess the effect of gender on the incidence of functional disability in the elderly. Review of the studies found that after adjusting for socioeconomic, health, and social relations indicators, incidence of functional disability was similar between genders. To reduce functional disability – a major challenge for public health – requires knowledge of the risk factors involved in the process loss of autonomy by the elderly in order to allow efficient preventive strategies. In this context, it is necessary to determine the role of gender in the incidence of functional disability in the elderly, in order to establish preventive measures, and the healthcare supply needs to be adjusted for men and women

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Discussion

Conclusion