CHANGE IN UNMET NEEDS STATUS FOR DAILY MOBILITY AND SELF-CARE ACTIVITIES
2024
Change in Unmet Needs for Daily Mobility and Self-Care Activities
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Sands Laura, Zhu Xiaofan, Khan Maham, Du Pang
Primary Institution: Virginia Tech
Hypothesis
Unmet need status for daily activities changes over time among older adults.
Conclusion
Most older adults do not experience unmet needs for mobility and self-care, but some do see worsening needs over time.
Supporting Evidence
- 57% of older adults needing help with mobility did not experience unmet needs.
- 62% of older adults needing help with self-care did not experience unmet needs.
- Only 3% of those needing help with mobility consistently reported unmet needs.
- Only 1% of those needing help with self-care consistently reported unmet needs.
- 25% experienced worsening of mobility unmet needs.
- 16% resolved their mobility unmet needs.
- 25% experienced worsening of self-care unmet needs.
- 11% resolved their self-care unmet needs.
Takeaway
Some older people need help with daily activities, but many don't have problems getting that help. However, some do get worse over time.
Methodology
Data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study was used to assess changes in unmet needs across three pairs of annual interviews.
Participant Demographics
Participants were older adults, with a focus on gender and chronic conditions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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