2002
Abstract:
Americans are living longer and, by most accounts,
healthier lives. Yet, as people age, some decline in
the ability to perform basic activities is not
uncommon. According to the National Center for Health
Statistics, the prevalence of such difficulties is greatest
among seniors: 38 percent of the elderly (those aged 65
or more) who do not live in institutions have some
limitation of activity caused by chronic conditions, while
only 10 percent of the population between the ages of
15 and 44 experience any limitation of activity. The most
common activity that the elderly have difficulty performing
is walking; the second and third most common activities
are bathing and getting outside.
