Veterans and Functional Status Transitions in Older Americans

Objectives: This research examines the relationship of veteran status with functional status transitions in older Americans. Methods: Data for this study come from the Survey of Asset and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old. We use a structural multinomial logit model to decompose the effect of older veterans into the direct effect and the indirect effects via physical health conditions and mental disorders on functional status transitions. Results: Although there is no distinct association among those functionally independent at baseline, veteran status significantly impacts age-dependent transitions from functional dependence to other statuses. At age 85, the excess mortality and the lower level of functional resolution among functionally dependent veterans are considerable. Conclusions: Physical health is more important than mental health in transmitting the effect of veteran status on functional status transitions in functionally dependent persons.