A STUDY OF CHRONIC DISEASES’ INFLUENCE ON ADL CAPABILITIES IN CHINESE OLDER ADULTS

摘要

This study examines the associations between chronic diseases and ADL capabilities with Chinese older adults. Data set was derived from a national sample of China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey 2014. Logistic regression was applied to analyze the relationships between the total score of ADL and chronic diseases condition (0=healthy, 1= have at least one chronic disease) while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Then, six logistic models were applied to examine the associations between five specific diseases and each daily life ability, respectively.The study found that chronic disease condition in general is negatively associated with older people’s ADL ability. Furthermore, different chronic diseases’ impacts are differing with regard to clothe wearing, bathing, eating, toileting, bed transferring and indoor mobility. Among the five diseases, cerebrovascular disease and dementia have the greatest impacts on all abilities. These findings have important implications for practitioners and policy makers in terms of long-term care services.