A study published in the January 2010 issue of the American Journal of Public Health concludes that older Americans face increasing rates of disability.

The authors examine trends in disability from the 1988-1994 and 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) for three age groups: 60-69, 70-79, and 80 and over, across these survey periods.

Overall, the reported prevalence of disability was between 40 percent and 70 percent higher in 1999-2004 than in 1988-1994.

“Questions about potential burdens of disability are salient because increased disability in our rapidly growing population of older adults may exert enormous strains on available human and financial resources,” the authors say.

Increases in disability were the greatest for those aged 60-69. For this age group, the prevalence of all disabilities increased significantly over this time period, especially limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities (IADLs), and mobility-related disabilities. The increase was particularly substantial for non-Hispanic Blacks, Mexican Americans, and those who are overweight or obese.

Within the 70-79 age group, there was no significant increase in ADL-related disabilities across the two time periods. However, IADL- and mobility-related disabilities both increased significantly.

Notably, there were no significant increases in disability for the 80 and over age group. In fact, there were significant decreases in mobility-related disabilities and functional limitations.

These findings underscore the ever-expanding need for a large, sustainable, qualified direct-care workforce to provide support and care for disabled individuals.

The NHANES is a nationally representative survey that uses interviews, clinical exams, and laboratory components to assess the health and nutritional status of Americans.