Intraindividual Variability in Late-Life Functional Limitations Among White, Black, and Hispanic Older Adults.

TitleIntraindividual Variability in Late-Life Functional Limitations Among White, Black, and Hispanic Older Adults.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsLin, J, Kelley-Moore, J
JournalRes Aging
Volume39
Issue4
Pagination549-572
Date Published04/2017
ISSN Number1552-7573
KeywordsFunctional limitations, Health Conditions and Status, Older Adults, Racial/ethnic differences
Abstract

Consistent with the weathering hypothesis, many studies have captured racial/ethnic disparities in average functional health trajectories. The same mechanisms of social inequality that contribute to worse average health among minority adults may also contribute to greater fluctuations in their physical function at upper ages. Using panel data from the Health and Retirement Study, we examine patterns of intraindividual variability over time in trajectories of functional limitations for White, Black, and Hispanic older adults. Intraindividual variability increases with age for both Whites and Blacks and such increase is greater for Blacks. Hispanics have the greatest intraindividual variability but there is no age-based pattern. Socioeconomic status and comorbidity are associated with intraindividual variability for all race/ethnicity yet do not explain the age-based increase in intraindividual variability for Whites or Blacks. The findings suggest further nuances to the weathering hypothesis-social disadvantage can generate instability in physical function as minority adults age.

DOI10.1177/0164027516655583
Alternate JournalRes Aging
Citation Key8961
PubMed ID28285580
Grant ListZ01 HG200335 / HG / NHGRI NIH HHS / United States