Gender differences in physical disability among an elderly cohort.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA.
Kirsten Naumann
KN
Murtagh
Helen B
HB
Hubert
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004522:Educational Status; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008571:Men / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014930:Women / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology