4314.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - Board 7

Abstract #26807

Health status of community-dwelling older adults with chronic illnesses

Christine A. Elnitsky, RN, PhD (c)1, B.B. Alexy, RN, DNSc2, and C. Houseman, RN, PhD1. (1) College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, (912) 673-7977, elnitsky@eagnet.com, (2) School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

This poster describes the growing population of older adults with chronic illnesses living in U.S. communities. A nationally representative sample of 7,760 adults (ages 65-104) participated in a household panel survey (cumulative RR 69%) and were asked about resources, utilization, general health and functional status. On average, this population was married, white, female, approximately 75 years old, reporting 3 different chronic illnesses, 12 outpatient visits and no hospitalizations in 1995. Those 80 and older total 26% of the population. One million reported no outpatient visits. Overall, one quarter had less than an 8th grade education. Average income was $16,800. All had Medicare, 12% had Medicaid and 71% had private insurance. Most resided in the South (36%) and Midwest (24%). Prevalence of 12 chronic illnesses ranked osteoarthritis (66%), hypertension (61%), other heart conditions (33%), cancer (22%), and diabetes (20%) as the top five. Most (79%) reported diagnosis of more than one chronic illness. A third reported four or more chronic conditions. Seven million reported fair or poor health. Eighteen million reported limitations in functional status. Findings can be used to focus community assessments, plan for services, predict workforce needs, and evaluate outcomes for 26.456 million older adults with chronic illnesses.

Learning Objectives: N/A

Keywords: Medicare/Medicaid, Community Health Assessment

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.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA