Difficulty and help with activities of daily living among older adults living alone with cognitive impairment.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

There is limited research on difficulties with activities of daily living (I/ADLs) among older adults living alone with cognitive impairment, including differences by race/ethnicity.

Methods

For U.S. Health and Retirement Study (2000-2014) participants aged 55+ living alone with cognitive impairment (4,666 individuals; 9,091 observations), we evaluated I/ADL difficulty and help.

Results

Among 4.3 million adults aged 55+ living alone with cognitive impairment, an estimated 46% reported an I/ADL difficulty; 72% reported not receiving help with an I/ADL. Women reported more difficulty than men. Compared to white women, black women were 22% more likely to report a difficulty without help, and Latina women were 36% more likely to report a difficulty with help.

SUBMITTER: Edwards RD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7416441 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature