Frequency and distribution of functioning and disability in aged persons – Results from the KORA-Age Study

Background: Like other industrialized countries Germany is facing the ageing of its population. Thus, there is increasing attention on functioning and disability of aged adults as potential determinants of autonomy and independent living. Yet, frequency and distribution of functioning and disability have not been studied extensively in this age group. Mostly, studies took a disease oriented approach by analyzing the effects of a specific health condition on mobility and activities of daily living. However, there are few representative findings on the prevalence of disability in aged persons in the German population. Objectives: The objective of our study is to examine the frequency, distribution and determinants of functioning and disability in aged persons in the community. Material and Methods: The data originate from the MONICA/KORA study, a population-based epidemiological cohort study established in 1984. Survivors of the original cohorts aged 65 years and above were examined by telephone interview from 01/2009 until 12/2009. Disability was assessed with the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Minimal disability was defined as HAQ-DI >0. Multiple regression models were used to adjust for potential confounders. Results: We analyzed a total of 4127 persons (51.2% female) with a mean age of 73.3 years (SD=6.1). Minimal disability was present in 44.7% of all persons, with women having a higher prevalence of disability than men in all age groups. Prevalence of disability increased with age from 28.8% for the 65–70 year old to 75.9% for individuals over 80. Prevalence was 31.6% in individuals without comorbidity, and 55.9% for participants with one or more comorbidity (RR=1.77). Conclusions: Minimal disability is highly prevalent in aged persons. The results give a representative overview of the prevalence of disability in the aged and can be the basis for further