Is the Hierarchy of Loss in Functional Ability Evident in Midlife? Findings from a British Birth Cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Difficulties performing a range of physical tasks of daily living have been shown to develop in older populations in a typically observed sequence, known as the hierarchy of loss. Nearly all previous research has been undertaken using populations aged over 75. This study aimed to use cross-sectional and longitudinal data to test for evidence of the hierarchy of loss from midlife onwards.

Methods

The prevalence of reported difficulty undertaking 16 physical tasks in the MRC National Survey of Health and Development at age 60-64 were calculated, with Mokken scaling used to confirm the hierarchical order. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios of reporting difficulty performing tasks at the bottom of the hierarchy (i.e. feeding, washing and/or toil

SUBMITTER: Wloch EG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4871329 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature