View Research by Author - Kenneth G. Manton

Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/KennethGManton

This article attempts to resolve previously published inconsistencies across national surveys in trends in activity limitations among the elderly. The authors prepared estimates from five national surveys from 1982-2001, and investigated sources of the inconsistencies. The panel found consistent declines of 1%-2.5% per year for two commonly used disability measures: difficulty with, and help with daily activities. Mixed evidence was found for the use of help or equipment. The panel found that the period, definition of disability, treatment of the institutionalized population, and age standardizing of results affected results. The implications of the findings for policy, national survey efforts, and further research are discussed. (Freedman, VA, E Crimmins, RF Schoeni, B Spillman, H Aykan, K Land, J Lubitz, K Manton, L Martin, D Shinberg, T Waidmann. 2004. "Resolving Discrepancies in Old-Age Disability Trends Across National Surveys: Report From a Technical Working Group." Demography 41(3):417-441.)

Life expectancy continues to increase in the United States and much of the industrialized world as death rates at older ages decline. But are today's elderly healthier than previous generations or does increased longevity come with increased risk of disability and reduced quality of life? This question is of crucial policy importance, because it affects the public costs of the income, health, and long-term care needs of the elderly population. This report provides a comprehensive review of the evidence, both for the United States and internationally. The most defensible conclusion is that disability rates are falling in most industrialized countries. How fast disability rates are falling is still unclear, however, because wide disparities in the disability measures, field procedures, and sample designs prevent comparability across data sources. (Published by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Asssistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation; 1998 June.)

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