Older Adults’ Health, Ethnicity, and Daily Life

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between ethnicity and daily functional disabilities among older adults, focusing on Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). The analysis uses data from the 2020 National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) survey, which included a sample of individuals aged 57-85 (n=3,005). Respondents provided information on their demographic background (e.g., income, gender, race, age, health, retirement, and marital status) and socioeconomic characteristics through telephone interviews.

The study hypothesized that ethnic differences would be evident in perceived difficulties with ADLs and IADLs in later life. To assess these relationships, both MANOVA and regression analyses were conducted. The results showed that African American and Hispanic older adults reported greater difficulty with ADLs and IADLs compared to their Anglo counterparts, highlighting significant ethnic disparities in daily functional challenges. These findings are consistent with the convoy model, suggesting that ethnicity significantly influences health outcomes and functional abilities in later life. Future research should include a broader range of variables to deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between demographic factors and health outcomes, including daily functional disabilities, among older adults.

Keywords: ethnicity, older adults, daily functional disabilities, ADLs, IADLs