Trends in Medication Use And Functioning Before Retirement Age: Are They Linked?

TitleTrends in Medication Use And Functioning Before Retirement Age: Are They Linked?
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2003
AuthorsFreedman, VA, Aykan, H
JournalHealth Affairs
Volume22
Issue4
Call Numberpubs_2003_Freedman_HA.pdf
KeywordsChronic disease, Drug use, Pharmaceuticals
Abstract

This paper explores the extent to which changes in medication use during the 1990s are linked to improvements in functioning among Americans before they reach retirement age. Using two cross-sections from a survey of Americans ages 51 61, we examined changes between 1992 and 1998 in the prevalence of functional limitations and medication use associated with five chronic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, lung disease, stroke, and arthritis. We found no evidence linking increases in medication use to improvements in functioning. Instead, increases in educational attainment offset the negative effects of increases in obesity and arthritis over this period. Findings underscore the need for caution in projecting forward improvements in old-age functioning when considering the future of Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs that serve the elderly with disabilities.

DOI10.1377/hlthaff.22.4.154
Endnote Keywords

Health Physical

Endnote ID

12602

Citation Key6885