Sex-Specific Trends in ADL Disability in the U.S. Elderly Population 1984–2004: New Estimates from the National Long Term Care Survey

Eric Stallard, Duke University

Purpose: To estimate sex-specific trends in HIPAA ADL disability between 1984 and 2004. Methods: ADL disability was defined as active personal assistance in two or more of six HIPAA ADLs. Results: Unisex ADL disability crude prevalence rates (CPRs) declined from 9.6% in 1984 to 8.2% in 2004 (a relative decline of 15%; -31% age-standardized). ADL CPRs declined for males from 7.5% to 5.8% (-22%; -36% age-standardized) and, for females, from 11.0% to 9.8% (-10%; -28% age-standardized). Male life expectancies (at age 65) increased from 14.5 to 16.7 years (+15.3%); expected years of male ADL disability (ADLE) decreased from 1.23 to 0.98 years (-20%). Female life expectancies increased from 18.6 to 19.5 years (+4.6%); female ADLEs decreased from 2.41 to 1.88 years (-22%). Conclusions: ADL disability prevalence rates and ADLEs differed substantially between sexes in 1984 and 2004; nonetheless, the relative rates of decline in ADLEs were similar and very substantial.