Persistent and Growing Socioeconomic Disparities in Disability Among the Elderly: 19822002
Robert F. Schoeni, PhD,
Linda G. Martin, PhD,
Patricia M. Andreski, MA and
Vicki A. Freedman, PhD
Robert F. Schoeni is with the Institute for Social Research, Ford School of Public Policy, and Department of Economics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Linda G. Martin is with the Institute of Medicine, Washington, DC. Patricia M. Andreski is with the Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Vicki A. Freedman was with the Polisher Research Institute, Horsham, Penn, at the time of the study.
Correspondence: Requests for reprints should be sent to Robert F. Schoeni, Institute for Social Research, 426 Thompson St, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (e-mail: bschoeni{at}umich.edu).
Objective. We sought to determine whether socioeconomic andracial/ethnic disparities in prevalence of disability over age70 have widened or narrowed during the past 2 decades.
Methods. We used data from the 19822002 National HealthInterview Surveys, which are nationally representative cross-sectionalsurveys of the noninstitutionalized population of the UnitedStates. Participants included 172227 people aged 70 years andolder. The primary outcome measure was the average annual percentagechange in the prevalence of 2 self-reported disability measures:the need for help with activities of daily living ("ADL disability")and need for help with either ADL or instrumental activitiesof daily living ("any disability").
Results. All groups experienced declines in the age- and gender-adjustedprevalence of any disability during the 1982 to 2002 period.However, the average annual percent declines were smaller forthe least advantaged socioeconomic groups. Differences in trendsacross racial/ethnic groups were not statistically significant.ADL disability prevalence decreased for the more advantagedgroups but increased among the lowest income and education groups.Non-Hispanic Whites and minorities experienced similar averageannual percent declines in ADL disability.
Conclusions. Racial/ethnic disparities in old-age disabilityhave persisted over the last 20 years, whereas socioeconomicdisparities have increased.
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