FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY AND ABILITY IN SWEDISH 85-YEAR-OLDS — A COMPARISON OF THREE COHORTS BORN 20 YEARS APART

摘要

Functional disability is an important issue in very old age. There is some evidence that more recently born individuals have a higher capacity regarding instrumental and basic activities of daily living (IADL, ADL) and that activity involvement may have preventive effects. This study investigated ADL and IADL and leisure activities in two population-based samples of 85-year-olds. Using identical methods, 494 85-year olds were assessed in 1986–87, and 571 85-year olds were assessed 2008–09. Findings indicate that ADL disability decreased across cohorts (P <0.001), but IADL disability increased (P <0.05). Involvement in seniors associations and other associations decreased for women (P <0.05), while reading books regularly was reported more often (P <0.001). In sum, results indicate that although later born cohorts are better equipped to maintain independence in terms of ADL, increased IADL disability and decreased social participation require action to adapt structures and services to the needs of ageing populations.