Activities Of Daily Living Limitations Research Articles

A prospective study on the variation in falling and fall risk among community-dwelling older citizens in 12 European countries

ObjectivesThe rate of falling among older citizens appears to vary across different countries, but the underlying aspects causing this variation are unexplained. We aim to describe between-country variation in falling...

Classification trees for identifying non-use of community-based long-term care services among older adults

Home- and center-based long-term care (LTC) services allow older adults to remain in the community while simultaneously helping caregivers cope with the stresses associated with providing care. Despite these benefits, the uptake of community-based LTC services among older adults remains low. We analyzed data from a longitudinal study in Singapore to identify the characteristics of individuals with referrals to home-based LTC services or day rehabilitation services at the time of hospital discharge. Classification and regression tree analysis was employed to identify combinations of clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients and their caregivers for individuals who did not take up their referred services. Patients’ level of limitation in activities of daily living (ADL) and caregivers’ ethnicity and educational level were the most distinguishing characteristics for identifying older adults who failed to take up their referred home-based services. For day rehabilitation services, patients’ level of ADL limitation, home size, age, and possession of a national medical savings account, as well as caregivers’ education level, and gender were significant factors influencing service uptake. Identifying subgroups of patients with high rates of non-use can help clinicians target individuals who are need of community-based LTC services but unlikely to engage in formal treatment.

Visual Impairment, Undercorrected Refractive Errors, and Activity Limitations in Older Adults: Findings From the Three-City Alienor Study.

As vision is required in almost all activities of daily living, visual impairment (VI) may be one of the major treatable factors for preventing activity limitations. We aimed to evaluate the attributable risk of VI associated with activity limitations and the extent to which limitations are avoidable with optimal optical correction of undercorrected refractive errors. We analyzed 709 older adults from the Three-City-Alienor population-based study. VI was defined by presenting distance visual acuity in the better-seeing eye. Multivariate modified Poisson regressions were used to estimate the associations between vision, activity limitations, and social participation restrictions. Population attributable risk (PAR) and generalized impact fraction (GIF) were estimated. Bootstrapping was used to estimate 95% confidence intervals (CI). After adjustment for potential confounders, VI was associated with each domain of activity limitations, except basic activities of daily living (ADL) limitations. These associations were found for even minimal levels of VI. PAR was estimated at 10.1% (95% CI: 5.2-10.6) for mobility limitations, at 26.0% (95% CI: 13.5-41.2) for instrumental ADL (IADL) limitations, and at 24.9% (95% CI: 10.5-47.1) for social participation restrictions. GIF for improvement of undercorrected refractive errors was 6.1% (95% CI: 3.8-8.5) for mobility limitations, 15.8% (95% CI: 11.5-20.1) for IADL limitations and 21.4% (95% CI: 13.8-28.5) for social participation restrictions. About one-sixth of IADL limitations and one-fifth of social participation restrictions could be prevented by an optimal optical correction. These results underline the importance of eye examinations in older adults to prevent disability.

Towards a postponement of activities of daily living dependence and mobility limitations: Trends in healthy life years in old age in Sweden.

To investigate the development of healthy life expectancy from 65 years (HLE65) in Sweden in the period 1980-2011 using the health indicators activities of daily living (ADL) and mobility limitations within the framework of the postponement, compression and expansion theories. Sources of data for the HLE computations were Swedish national mortality statistics and the nationwide Swedish Surveys of Living Conditions, conducted biennially by Statistics Sweden since 1974. We used the Sullivan method for calculations of HLE and a decomposition into mortality and disability effects was made. Life expectancy at age 65 (LE65) increased by 3.1 years for women and 4.0 years for men from 1980-1985 to 2006-2011. HLE65 calculated according to ADL and mobility limitations increased more rapidly than LE65 for both men and women ( p<0.05). Our results for trends in the Swedish LE65 and HLE65, computed on the basis of ADL and mobility limitations and using the Swedish Surveys of Living Conditions study, are in line with the postponement hypothesis and there is also a tendency for compression. Thus the years with ADL dependence and mobility limitations are postponed to a higher age and the numbers of these years have decreased.

Implementing a Pain Self-Management Protocol in Home Care: A Cluster-Randomized Pragmatic Trial.

To determine the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral pain self-management (CBPSM) protocol delivered by physical therapists (PTs) for use by older adults with activity-limiting pain receiving home care. A randomized pragmatic trial comparing delivery of the intervention plus usual care with usual care alone. Community. Individuals aged 55 and older admitted with orders for physical therapy who endorsed activity-limiting pain and reported pain scores of 3 or greater on a scale from 0 to 10 (N=588). A CBPSM protocol delivered by PTs. Primary outcomes were assessed at 60days using validated measures of pain-related disability, pain intensity, gait speed, and number of activity of daily living (ADL) deficits. Of 588 participants, 285 received care from a PT randomized to the intervention and 303 from a PT randomized to the usual care group. Both groups had significant reductions in pain-related disability, pain intensity, and ADL limitations and improved gait speed. No significant treatment differences were identified. There were no consistent treatment differences when interactions and subgroups were examined. This real-world pragmatic trial found no effect of implementation of a pain self-management intervention in a home care setting. Despite the lack of positive findings, future studies are indicated to determine how similar protocols that have been found to be effective in efficacy studies can be successfully implemented in routine clinical care.

Psychosocial Well-Being Associated With Activity of Daily Living Stages Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Objectives: Activity of daily living (ADL) stages demonstrated ordered associations with risk of chronic conditions, hospitalization, nursing home use, and mortality among community-living elderly. This article explores the association of stages with psychosocial well-being. We hypothesized that higher ADL stages (greater ADL limitation) are associated with more restricted social networks, less perceived social support, greater social isolation, and poorer mental health. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N = 3,002) were analyzed in regression models and latent factor models. Results: Although ADL stages had a nearly monotonic relationship with most mental health measures (e.g., Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES-D]), only the complete limitation stage (Stage IV) showed significant disadvantage in the majority of social network measures. Discussion: The study may aid clinicians and policy makers to better understand the social and mental health needs of older adults at different ADL stages and provide well-planned social and mental health care.

Predictors of General Discomfort, Limitations in Activities of Daily Living, and Intention of a Second Donation in Unrelated Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donation

We performed a retrospective study to predict the risk factors related to general discomfort, limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs), and intention of a second donation in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) donation. The subjects of this study were 1,868 consecutive unrelated volunteer donors who donated HSCs through the Korea Marrow Donor Program between November 2007 and April 2014. Bone marrow (BM) collections were performed without administration of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collections were performed after mobilization with G-CSF administered subcutaneously for 4 or 5 consecutive days at a daily dose of around 10 mcg/kg of body weight. General discomfort and limitations in ADLs were assessed by numerical measurement (scores of 0 to 10), and donor’s intention of a second donation by yes or no reply. The post-donation questionnaires were completed within 48 hours after HSC collection, and at 1 week, 4 weeks, and 4 months thereafter. Pre-donation and post-donation predictors of general discomfort and limitations in ADLs were identified using univariate and multivariate linear regression considering donor demographic and clinical characteristics (age, sex, collection method, collection period) and the intention of a second donation on day 1. Pre-donation and post-donation predictors of the intention of a second donation were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression considering donor demographic and clinical characteristics (age, sex, collection method, collection period). Men represented 76.77% of donors. The median age at donation was 28 years (range, 19-51), and about 93.00% of donors were younger than 40 years of age. Among HSC collection, 61.88% were completed in a day. PBSC and BM collections accounted for 94.49% and 5.51% of HSC collections, respectively. Predictors of general discomfort included female sex (P< 0.0001), BM collection (P< 0.0001) or PBSC collection through a central line (P= 0.0349), 2-day collection (P= 0.0150), and negative or undetermined intention of a second donation on day 1 (P< 0.0001). Predictors of limitations in ADLs included age group of 30-39 years (P= 0.0046), female sex (P< 0.0001), BM collection (P< 0.0001) or PBSC collection through a central line (P< 0.0001), and negative or undetermined intention of a second donation on day 1 (P< 0.0001). The only predictor of positive intention of a second donation was male sex (P= 0.0007). Age, sex, collection method and period, and intention of a second donation should be considered risk factors when unrelated HSC donation is performed. As a collection method, PBSC collection through a peripheral line is recommended to alleviate physical stress and to improve ADLs. Female donors are more sensitive to HSC collection than male donors, and male sex of the donor is predictive of positive intention of a second donation. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Predictors of functional disability with focus on activities of daily living: A community based follow-up study in older adults in India

BackgroundDisability in activities of daily living is a growing concern among older populations all over the world. India has one of the rapidly ageing populations and predicted burden of functional disability is higher for Indian older adults as compared to other ageing Asian countries. MethodsTotal 1140 aged 60 years and over participated in a baseline study. 560 of them participated in the prospective cohort study conducted in the city of Pune, India. An interview and functional assessment using a questionnaire and Pune-FAAT tool was carried out in 2013–14. Binary logistic regression was used to obtain the factors that increased the odds of having ADL disability at follow-up. ResultsThe mean age of the study population was 69.73±5.48years. Squatting, walking and climbing functions were affected significantly. Total 376 participants (67.1%) reported difficulties and/or disability in performing activities of daily living (ADL) at follow-up. Hospitalization (OR=3.6; 95% CI: 1.9–6.7), being female (OR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.5–3.5), presence of two or more chronic diseases (OR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.1–2.7), experience of memory loss (OR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.2–3.0) and feeling of loneliness (OR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.0–5.3) increased the odds of being in the “With disability” group at follow-up. Apart from this, self-rated health and self-reported depression were associated with limitations in ADL. ConclusionHospitalization and being female appeared to be the most significant risk factors for disability in urban older adults in India. Rehabilitation services after hospitalization, physical exercise, effective control on chronic illness, and social participation to reduce loneliness is recommended.

Socioeconomic inequalities in activities of daily living limitations and in the provision of informal and formal care for noninstitutionalized older Brazilians: National Health Survey, 2013.

BackgroundThis study assesses the association between socioeconomic factors and living arrangements with activity of daily living limitations (ADL) and the receipt of informal and formal care among non-institutionalized Brazilians aged ≥ 60 years.MethodsData come from a nationally representative survey (the Brazilian National Health Survey), conducted in 2013. Outcomes examined include the number of ADL tasks performed with limitations and number of tasks for which the individual received informal care (provided by unpaid relatives or friends), formal care, or no care. Key exposure variables were years of education and household assets.ResultsFunctioning limitations were reported by 7,233 (30.1 %) of 23,815 survey participants. Of these, 5,978 reported needing help to perform at least one ADL task. There was a strong inverse gradient between physical functioning and both education and household assets that was independent of confounders. The provision of care showed an opposite trend, with the wealthiest being more likely to receive help for performing ADL tasks. The receipt of formal care was strongly correlated with highest education (Fully adjusted prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.64; 95 % CI 1.05, 2.58) and with the highest assets level (PR = 2.24; 95 % CI 1.38, 3.64). Living with someone else was associated with provision of care (formal or informal) for those at the lowest and intermediate educational and assets levels, but not for the wealthiest.ConclusionDespite worse physical functioning, older Brazilians in worse socioeconomic conditions are much less likely to receive needed help in performing ADL tasks.

Bilateral reverse total shoulder arthroplasty—functional outcome and activities of daily living

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) has gained popularity in recent years, providing good shoulder elevation, yet less predictable rotations. Good rotations are crucial for performance of activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene. Concerns remain regarding bilateral rTSA over lack of rotations bilaterally and resultant difficulties with ADLs. This study examined the outcome of patients with bilateral rTSA in restoration of function and ADLs. Data were prospectively collected for 19 patients (15 women, 4 men; 38 shoulders), with a mean age of 74.5 years, who underwent staged bilateral rTSA between 2007 and 2013. Mean follow-up was 48.4 months (range, 24-75 months). Patients were evaluated clinically using the Constant score, patient's satisfaction, Subjective Shoulder Value, and the Activities of Daily Living External and Internal Rotations (ADLEIR) score. Video clips were also recorded for documentation at all visits. Mean duration between staged operations was 18.2 months (range, 3-46 months). The Constant score improved from 18.7 to 65.1 points (age- and sex-adjusted, 100.2). Elevation improved from 57.5° to 143°, internal rotation (IR) from 9° to 81° (30 shoulders could reach above the sacroiliac joint), and external rotation (ER) from 20° to 32° (35 shoulders had >20° ER in adduction, 31 shoulders had full ER in elevation). The Subjective Shoulder Value improved from 2.1 of 10 to 9.2 of 10. Mean ADLEIR score was 33 of 36 (P < .001 for all). Most patients resumed their leisure and sport activities (gardening, golf, swimming, bowling). Bilateral rTSA results in marked and predictable improvement in all movements, pain relief, and functional outcomes, with high patient satisfaction and high ADLEIR score. All patients were able to perform perineal hygiene after their rTSA. Most patients had no limitation in ADLs and their leisure activities.

SOCIOECONOMIC INEQUALITIES IN SELF-REPORTED HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FUNCTIONING IN ARGENTINA: FINDINGS FROM THE NATIONAL SURVEY ON QUALITY OF LIFE OF OLDER ADULTS 2012 (ENCaViAM).

This study aimed to evaluate educational and income inequalities in self-reported health (SRH), and physical functioning (limitations in Activities of Daily Living (ADL)/Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)), among 60-year-old and older adults in Argentina. Using cross-sectional data from the Argentinian National Survey on Quality of Life of Older Adults 2012 (Encuesta Nacional sobre Calidad de Vida de Adultos Mayores, ENCaViAM), gender-specific socioeconomic inequalities in SRH and ADL and IADL limitations were studied in relation to educational level and household per capita income. The Relative Index of Inequality (RII) - an index of the relative size of socioeconomic inequalities in health - was used. Socioeconomic inequalities in the studied health indicators were found - except for limitations in ADL among women - favouring socially advantaged groups. The results remained largely significant after full adjustment, suggesting that educational and income inequalities, mainly in SRH and IADL, were robust and somehow independent of age, marital status, physical activity, the use of several medications, depression and the occurrence of falls. The findings add to the existing knowledge on the relative size of the socioeconomic inequalities in subjective health indicators among Argentinian older adults, which are to the detriment of lower socioeconomic groups. The results could be used to inform planning interventions aimed at decreasing socioeconomic inequalities in health, to the benefit of socially disadvantaged adults.

Predictors of general discomfort, limitations in activities of daily living and intention of a second donation in unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donation.

We performed a retrospective study of 1868 consecutive unrelated donors to predict the risk factors related to general discomfort, limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) and intention of a second donation in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) donation. General discomfort and limitations in ADLs were assessed by numerical measurement (scores of 0-10) and donor's intention of a second donation by yes or no reply. The post-donation questionnaires were completed within 48 h after HSC collection and at 1 week, 4 weeks, and 4 months thereafter. Predictors of general discomfort included female sex (P<0.0001), bone marrow (BM) collection (P<0.0001) or PBSC collection through a central line (CL; P=0.0349), 2-day collection (P=0.0150) and negative or undetermined intention of a second donation on day 1 (P<0.0001). Predictors of limitations in ADLs included age group of 30-39 years (P=0.0046), female sex (P<0.0001), BM collection (P<0.0001) or PBSC collection through a CL (P<0.0001) and negative or undetermined intention of a second donation on day 1 (P<0.0001). The only predictor of positive intention of a second donation was male sex (P=0.0007). Age, sex and collection method and period should be considered risk factors when unrelated HSC donation is performed.

Fear of Falling in Older Mexican Americans: A Longitudinal Study of Incidence and Predictive Factors.

To determine predictors of fear of falling in older Mexican Americans over time. Longitudinal study. Community-dwelling residents throughout California, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. Community-dwelling Mexican Americans aged 72 and older participating in the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly from 2000-01 to 2010-11 (N = 1,682). Fear of falling was measured at baseline and at each subsequent wave. Baseline demographic and clinical variables included social support, fall history, depression symptoms, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, activity of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) limitations, and chronic health conditions. Nine hundred fifty three (56.7%) subjects reported fear of falling at baseline, 262 of whom reported severe fear of falling. The predictors of reporting any fear of falling over time included female sex, frequent familial interaction, depression, chronic health conditions, IADL limitations, higher MMSE score, and three or more falls in the last 12 months. Predictors of severe fear of falling included older age, female sex, married, depressive symptoms, chronic health conditions, IADL limitations, higher MMSE score, and fall history. Protective factors included frequent friend interaction and higher levels of education. Fear of falling is prevalent in older Mexican-American adults. The presence of friends nearby was shown to be protective against, whereas the presence of family nearby was shown to be predictive of fear of falling.

Limitations in Activities of Daily Living in Community-Dwelling People Aged 75 and Over: A Systematic Literature Review of Risk and Protective Factors.

BackgroundMost older people wish to age in place, for which functional status or being able to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) is an important precondition. However, along with the substantial growth of the (oldest) old, the number of people who develop limitations in ADLs or have functional decline dramatically increases in this part of the population. Therefore, it is important to gain insight into factors that can contribute to developing intervention strategies at older ages. As a first step, this systematic review was conducted to identify risk and protective factors as predictors for developing limitations in ADLs in community-dwelling people aged 75 and over.MethodsFour electronic databases (CINAHL (EBSCO), EMBASE, PsycINFO and PubMed) were searched systematically for potentially relevant studies published between January 1998 and March 2016.ResultsAfter a careful selection process, 6,910 studies were identified and 25 were included. By far most factors were examined in one study only, and most were considered risk factors. Several factors do not seem to be able to predict the development of limitations in ADLs in people aged 75 years and over, and for some factors ambiguous associations were found. The following risk factors were found in at least two studies: higher age, female gender, diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. A high level of physical activity and being married were protective in multiple studies. Notwithstanding the fact that research in people aged 65 years and over is more extensive, risk and protective factors seem to differ between the ‘younger’ and ‘older’ olds.ConclusionOnly a few risk and protective factors in community-dwelling people aged 75 years and over have been analysed in multiple studies. However, the identified factors could serve both detection and prevention purposes, and implications for future research are given as well.

Education and disability trends of older Americans, 2000-2014.

Trends in disability among older Americans has declined since the 1980s. The study examines whether the trend continues to decline and whether educational disparities exist in the prevalence of functional limitations. I used the 2000-2014 National Health Interview Survey and included adults aged ≥65 years. Functional limitations was measured by three outcomes: the need for help with activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and physical function limitations. I used a set of logistic models to estimate the average annual change rate of functional limitations. I examined whether the annual rate of change differed by education, age group and sex. During 2000-2014, the annual increase rate of ADL limitations was 1.7% (P<0.001) and was 2.0% (P<0.001) for physical function limitations; IADL limitation did not change significantly. All subgroups experienced an increase in ADL and physical function limitations except for adults with a more than high school education. The lower-educated group had a higher proportion and a higher annual rate of increase in all outcomes. Increasing trends in chronic conditions may contribute to the increasing trend in functional limitations. The study highlighted a large educational disparity in late-life disability among older Americans.

Self-Reported Sleep Problems Prospectively Increase Risk of Disability: Findings from the Survey of Midlife Development in the United States.

To determine whether subjective poor sleep prospectively increases functional limitations and incident disability in a national sample of adults living in the United States. Prospective cohort. Longitudinal Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS). Young, middle-aged, and older men and women (aged 24-75) surveyed in 1995/96 (MIDUS 1) and followed up in 2004-06 (MIDUS 2). Complete data were available for 3,620 respondents. Data were from telephone interviews and self-administered questionnaires. Participant reported chronic sleep problems within the prior month; functional limitations were assessed using the Functional Status Questionnaire. Demographic (age, sex, race), socioeconomic (educational attainment), health (chronic conditions, depression), and health behavior (obesity, smoking) covariates were assessed to reduce potential confounding. Approximately 11% of the sample reported chronic sleep problems at both MIDUS waves. Average number of activity of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) limitations increased significantly between MIDUS 1 (ADL limitations: 0.06; IADL limitations: 0.95) and MIDUS 2 (ADL limitations: 0.15; IADL limitations: 1.6; P < .001). Adjusted regression models estimating change in ADL scores showed that chronic sleep problems at MIDUS 1 predicted significantly greater increases in ADL (incident rate ratio (IRR) = 1.55, P < .001) and IADL (IRR = 1.28, P < .001) limitations. In those with no functional limitations at baseline, logistic regression models showed that chronic sleep problems significantly increased the odds of incident ADL (odds ratio (OR) = 2.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.68-3.24, P < .001) and IADL (OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.21-2.42, P = .002) disability. Reports of chronic sleep problems predicted greater risk of onset of and increases in functional limitations 9 to 10 years later. Poor sleep may be a robust and independent risk factor for disability in adults of all ages.

Rehabilitation of Motor Function after Stroke: A Multiple Systematic Review Focused on Techniques to Stimulate Upper Extremity Recovery.

Stroke is one of the leading causes for disability worldwide. Motor function deficits due to stroke affect the patients' mobility, their limitation in daily life activities, their participation in society and their odds of returning to professional activities. All of these factors contribute to a low overall quality of life. Rehabilitation training is the most effective way to reduce motor impairments in stroke patients. This multiple systematic review focuses both on standard treatment methods and on innovating rehabilitation techniques used to promote upper extremity motor function in stroke patients. A total number of 5712 publications on stroke rehabilitation was systematically reviewed for relevance and quality with regards to upper extremity motor outcome. This procedure yielded 270 publications corresponding to the inclusion criteria of the systematic review. Recent technology-based interventions in stroke rehabilitation including non-invasive brain stimulation, robot-assisted training, and virtual reality immersion are addressed. Finally, a decisional tree based on evidence from the literature and characteristics of stroke patients is proposed. At present, the stroke rehabilitation field faces the challenge to tailor evidence-based treatment strategies to the needs of the individual stroke patient. Interventions can be combined in order to achieve the maximal motor function recovery for each patient. Though the efficacy of some interventions may be under debate, motor skill learning, and some new technological approaches give promising outcome prognosis in stroke motor rehabilitation.

Intérêt de la rééducation fonctionnelle au cours des myopathies inflammatoires

Rehabilitation, for a long time not recommended, seems today to hold a prominent place within the therapeutic arsenal of inflammatory myopathies. The difficulty of its evaluation, apart from the low prevalence of these diseases, lies in a triple heterogeneity: first that distinguishing the different forms of inflammatory myopathies and the phase where they are active; second, that concerning the endpoint considered to assess the efficiency of the intervention; lastly, the diversity of the rehabilitation programs that can be undertaken. Between 1993 and 2016, about 30 studies estimating the rehabilitation of inflammatory myopathies have been published, among which five randomized controlled trials, four controlled trials, 15 open studies, and seven case reports. All these studies evidence the safety of rehabilitation and some show a significant improvement of the criteria estimating the activity of the disease, its functional impact or the impairment of quality of life and the limitation in daily life activities triggered by the disease. The rehabilitation, whether aerobic, anaerobic or mixed, must today systematically be associated with the pharmaceutic treatment proposed to patients affected by inflammatory myopathies. Other studies are necessary to optimize the rehabilitation methods, to understand their effects and action, and to quantify their impact and provide more trustworthy evidence.

Disability trends among older adults in ten European countries over 2004–2013, using various indicators and Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) data

ABSTRACTIn the context of the prospective increase in the numbers of older adults in Europe and of conflicting findings regarding recent disability trends, the present study uses cross-sectional data from four waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), covering the period 2004–2013, and aims at the assessment of trends in disability by sex and broad age group (50–64 and 65 and over) for the ten countries participating in all waves, based on four different measures: limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs), limitations in instrumental ADLs, mobility difficulties and the Global Activity Limitation Indicator. The analysis uses logistic regression models adjusted for age and, subsequently, also for chronic conditions. The findings indicate improvements both in mild/moderate activity restrictions and in functional limitations for several countries, especially among men and women aged 65 and over. Regarding severe disability (ADLs) there is mostly a lack of any significant trend and only a few declines. In several instances, the observed trends are linked to changes in chronic conditions; significant improvements net of chronic conditions are found mainly in Sweden but also in the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Italy and France. Overall, the estimated trends often differentiate by country, age group and sex while they depend upon the specificities of the measures used in the analysis.

QuickStats: Percentage of Adults Aged ≥45 Years with Activity Limitations, by Age Group and Type of Limitation* - National Health Interview Survey,(†) United States, 2000-2015.

The percentage of adults aged 45-64 years with limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) increased from 1.3% in 2000 to 2.0% in 2015, and the percentage with limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) increased from 2.8% to 4.0%. Among adults aged ≥65 years, the percentage with limitations in ADLs increased from 6.4% to 6.9%, and the percentage with limitations in IADLs decreased from 12.9% to 11.7%.