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QuickStats: Percentage of Adults Aged ≥65 Years Limited* in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), by Poverty Ratio† and Number of Limitations --- National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2003--2007§

The figure shows the percentage of adults aged ≥65 years limited* in activities of daily living (ADLs), by poverty ratio and number of limitations from the National Health Interview Survey for the United States from 2003-2007. According to the figure, during 2003-2007, among adults aged ≥65 years, the poorest (<100% of the poverty threshold) were approximately twice as likely to need help with ADLs as the least poor (≥300% of the poverty threshold). Older adults were more likely to have 3-6 ADLs than 1-2 ADLs, except for the poorest group where the difference was not statistically significant.

* The number of limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) is based on responses to survey questions that ask whether a person needs the help of others with 1) bathing or showering, 2) dressing, 3) eating, 4) getting in or out of bed or chairs, 5) using the toilet or getting to the toilet, and 6) getting around inside the home.

† The poverty ratio is a ratio of the family's income to that of the federal poverty threshold. Poverty thresholds, which are published by the U.S. Census Bureau, vary by family size and also the number of children in the family. Because of the high level of missing family income data, the poverty ratio was calculated using the 2003--2007 National Health Interview Survey multiple imputed family income and personal earnings data files.

§ Estimates are based on household interviews of a sample of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population. Persons with unknown ADL status were excluded from the denominators.

¶ 95% confidence interval.

During 2003--2007, among adults aged ≥65 years, the poorest (<100% of the poverty threshold) were approximately twice as likely to need help with ADLs as the least poor (≥300% of the poverty threshold). Older adults were more likely to have 3--6 ADLs than 1--2 ADLs, except for the poorest group where the difference was not statistically significant.

SOURCE: Unpublished estimates from the 2003--2007 National Health Interview Survey. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm.

Alternative Text: The figure above shows the percentage of adults aged ≥65 years limited* in activities of daily living (ADLs), by poverty ratio and number of limitations from the National Health Interview Survey for the United States from 2003-2007. According to the figure, during 2003-2007, among adults aged ≥65 years, the poorest (<100% of the poverty threshold) were approximately twice as likely to need help with ADLs as the least poor (≥300% of the poverty threshold). Older adults were more likely to have 3-6 ADLs than 1-2 ADLs, except for the poorest group where the difference was not statistically significant.

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Date last reviewed: 10/21/2009