This study examines the comorbidity effect of arthritis and other chronic conditions on physical functioning in two cohorts of older U.S. adults. Previous research (e.g., Freedman and Martin 2000) has suggested that the debilitating impact of arthritis on physical functioning among the elderly has recently declined. In that research only the independent effect of chronic conditions was considered. In this paper we investigate how the interaction between arthritis and other chronic conditions affects physical functioning and whether this effect has changed over time. The data source is the Longitudinal Studies of Aging (LSOA) which contains representative samples of the noninstitutionalized population 70 years of age and over in 1984 and 1995. Logistic regression models are estimated. Preliminary results show a significant negative effect on physical functioning of the comorbid relationship between arthritis and other chronic conditions. For example, controlling for sociodemographic variables, the odds of being unable to walk a quarter mile are 2.5 times higher for elderly persons with arthritis and other chronic conditions than for persons with arthritis only. Similarly the odds of being unable to reach up over one’s head are 2.3 higher for those with arthritis and other conditions than for persons whose only chronic condition is arthritis. This comorbidity effect did not appear to change between 1984 and 1995. The specific conditions contributing to this interaction are explored.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Aging, Arthritis
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.