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Kirsten Naumann Murtagh, MA and Helen B. Hubert, PhD

Kirsten Naumann Murtagh and Helen B. Hubert are with the Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif.

Correspondence: Requests for reprints should be sent to Helen B. Hubert, PhD, 701 Welch Rd, Ste 3303, Palo Alto, CA 94304 (e-mail: hhubert{at}stanford.edu).

Objectives. We analyzed the role of sociodemographic factors, chronic-disease risk factors, and health conditions in explaining gender differences in disability among senior citizens.

Methods. We compared 1348 men and women (mean age = 79 years) on overall disability and compared their specific activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and mobility limitations. Analysis of covariance adjusted for possible explanatory factors.

Results. Women were more likely to report limitations, use of assistance, and a greater degree of disability, particularly among IADL categories. However, these gender differences were largely explained by differences in disability-related health conditions.

Conclusions. Greater prevalence of nonfatal disabling conditions, including fractures, osteoporosis, back problems, osteoarthritis and depression, contributes substantially to greater disability and diminished quality of life among aging women compared with men.

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