Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-2009
Journal / Book Title
Gerontologist
Abstract
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this study is to quantify the effect of residential modification on decreasing risk of physical function decline in 2 years.
DESIGN:
Cohort study using propensity scores method to control for baseline differences between individuals with residential modifications and those without residential modifications.
PARTICIPANTS:
Participants (N = 9,447) were from the Second Longitudinal Study on Aging, a nationally representative sample of the civilian noninstitutionalized population, aged 70 years and older in the United States at the time of baseline interview in 1994-1995.
METHODS:
Participants self-reported residential modifications at baseline (e.g., railings, bathroom modifications). Decline in physical functioning was measured by comparing self-reported activities of daily living at baseline and at 2-year follow-up.
RESULTS:
Compared with individuals without baseline modifications, a higher proportion of those with baseline modifications were aged 85 years and older (16% vs. 10%), used special aides (36% vs. 14%), and lived alone (40% vs. 31%). Using a weighted propensity score method, we found a modest decrease in risk of decline at Wave 2 for those with baseline modifications (risk difference = 3.1%). Respondents with a baseline residential modification were less likely to experience subsequent decline in functional ability (adjusted odds ratio = 0.88, 95% confidence interval = 0.79-0.97) after adjusting for quintile of propensity score in a survey-weighted regression model.
IMPLICATIONS:
Baseline modifications may be associated with reduced risk of decline among a nationally representative sample of older community-dwelling adults. Widespread adoption of residential modifications may reduce the overall population estimates of decline
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnp033
MSU Digital Commons Citation
Liu, Sze Yan and Lapane, Kate L., "Residential modifications and decline in physical function among community-dwelling elderly" (2009). Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works. 36.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/public-health-facpubs/36
Published Citation
Liu SY, Lapane KL. Residential modifications and decline in physical function among community-dwelling older adults. The Gerontologist. 2009 Apr 17;49(3):344-54.