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QuickStats: Percentage of Adults with Activity Limitations, by Age Group and Type of Limitation — National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2010*

The figure shows the percentage of adults with activity limitations, by age group and type of limitation in the United States during 2010, according to the National Health Interview Survey. In 2010, the percentages of adults with limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) and limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) increased with age. Adults aged ≥75 years were almost three times as likely as adults aged 65-74 years (11.0% versus 3.7%) to require the help of another person with ADLs and with IADLs (18.8% versus 6.5%). Adults in each age group were more likely to require help with IADLs than with ADLs.

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

95% confidence interval.

§ Limitations in ADLs are based on response to the question, "Because of a physical, mental, or emotional problem, does [person] need the help of other persons with personal care needs, such as eating, bathing, dressing, or getting around inside this home?"

Limitations in IADLs are based on response to the question, "Because of a physical, mental, or emotional problem, does [person] need the help of other persons in handling routine needs, such as everyday household chores, doing necessary business, shopping, or getting around for other purposes?"

In 2010, the percentages of adults with limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) and limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) increased with age. Adults aged ≥75 years were almost three times as likely as adults aged 65–74 years (11.0% versus 3.7%) to require the help of another person with ADLs and with IADLs (18.8% versus 6.5%). Adults in each age group were more likely to require help with IADLs than with ADLs.

Source: Adams PF, Martinez ME, Vickerie JL, Kirzinger WK. Summary health statistics for the U.S. population: National Health Interview Survey, 2010. Vital Health Stat 2011;10(251).

Reported by: Patricia F. Adams, [email protected], 301-458-4063; Michael E. Martinez, MPH, MHSA, Whitney K. Kirzinger, MPH.

Alternate Text: The figure above shows the percentage of adults with activity limitations, by age group and type of limitation in the United States during 2010, according to the National Health Interview Survey. In 2010, the percentages of adults with limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) and limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) increased with age. Adults aged ≥75 years were almost three times as likely as adults aged 65-74 years (11.0% versus 3.7%) to require the help of another person with ADLs and with IADLs (18.8% versus 6.5%). Adults in each age group were more likely to require help with IADLs than with ADLs.


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