Arthritis prevalence and activity limitations in older adults

Objective. To evaluate the prevalence of arthritis and activity limitations among older Americans by assessing their demographic, ethnic, and economic characteristics. Methods. Data from the Asset and Health Dynamic Survey Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD), a national probability sample of community-dwelling adults born b efore 1924, were analyzed cross-sectionally, Arthritis that resulted in a p hysician's visit or a joint replacement not associated with a hip fracture mas ascertained by self-report. Results, The prevalence of arthritis in older adults ranged from 25% in non -Hispanic whites to 40% in non-Hispanic blacks to 44% in Hispanics. A highe r prevalence of arthritis was associated with less education as well as low er income and less wealth. The prevalence of limitations in activities of d aily living (ADL) among non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispani c adults who reported arthritis only was 29%, 30%, and 37%, respectively, a nd increased to 48%, 57%, and 56%, respectively, among those reporting arth ritis plus other chronic conditions, after adjustment for age and sex. Conclusion. Non-Hispanic black and Hispanic older adults reported having ar thritis at a substantially higher Frequency than did non-Hispanic whites. I n addition, Hispanics reported higher rates of ADL limitations than did non -Hispanic whites,vith comparable disease burden, Further study is needed to confirm and elucidate the reasons for these Facial and economic disparitie s in older populations.