K. Andersen-ranberg et al., Declining physical abilities with age: a cross-sectional study of older twins and centenarians in Denmark, AGE AGEING, 28(4), 1999, pp. 373-377
Objective: to evaluate whether physical disability reaches a plateau in the
oldest age groups.
Design: cross-sectional survey.
Participants: a total of 3351 individuals, which included all those living
in Denmark who celebrated their 100th anniversary during the period from 1
April 1995 to 31 May 1996 (276 subjects) and all Danish twins aged 75-94 re
gistered in the Danish Twin Register (3075 subjects).
Main outcome measures: the ability to perform selected items of basic activ
ities of daily Living independently
Results: the prevalence of independence in each of six selected activities
of daily living was significantly lower in both men and women centenarians
compared with octo- and septuagenarians. The sex difference in independence
in all six selected activities of daily living was larger for each advanci
ng age group, with women being most disabled (P < 0.001). In centenarians 2
0% of women and 44% of men were able to perform all selected activities of
daily living independently.
Conclusion: compared with individuals aged 75-79 years, physical abilities
of men and women gradually diminished in age groups 80-84, 85-90 and 90-94,
with the lowest levels among 100-year-olds. Although women have lower mort
ality, they are more disabled than men, and this difference is more marked
with advancing age.