PREDICTORS OF PHYSICAL FUNCTION AMONG THE OLDEST-OLD - A COMPARISON OF 3 OUTCOME VARIABLES IN A 24-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

This study has measured physical function in a nationally representati ve sample of persons aged 77 to 98 (N = 508) in 1992. Three measures o f function are used: activities of daily living (ADL), an index of mob ility, and performance tests. These are used as outcomes and analyzed in relation to variables gathered in a survey in 1968. Variables from 1968 include education, mobility, smoking, and an index of circulation problems. All four variables predict some limitations in physical fun ction in old age. However, there are different patterns of predictors found for the three outcome measures. All three outcomes are associate d with age, education, and previous circulation problems. ADL limitati ons are also associated with poor previous mobility and smoking; mobil ity limitations are also associated with sex and smoking; performance limitations are also associated with sex.