The role of education in explaining and forecasting trends in functional limitations among older Americans

Using the Survey of Income and Program Participation, we document the impor tance of education in accounting for declines in functional limitations amo ng older Americans from 1984 to 1993. Of the eight demographic and socioeco nomic variables considered, education is:most important in accounting for r ecent trends. The relationship between educational attainment and functioni ng has not changed measurably, but educational attainment has increased gre atly during this period. Our analysis suggests, all else being equal, that future changes in education will continue to contribute to improvements in functioning, although at a reduced rate.