PSYCHOLOGY 374
FUNCTIONAL LIMITATIONS BY
AGE
(Percent with Difficulty)
Activity Age
65-74 75-84 85 and over
Walking 14.2% 22.9% 39.9%
Getting outside 5.6 12.3 3.3
Bathing Showering 6.4 12.3 27.9
Getting out of bed or chair 6.1 9.2 19.3
Dressing 4.3 7.6 16.6
Using toilet 2.6 5.4 14.1
Eating 1.2 2.5 4.4
Preparing meals 4.0 8.8 26.1
Shopping 6.4 15.0 37.0
Managing money 2.2 6.3 24.0
Using telephone 2.7 6.0 17.5
Heavy housework 18.6 28.7 47.8
Light housework 4.3 8.9 23.6
Source: Statistical
Abstract of the United States, 1988. 108th
ed.
Washington,
D.C. Bureau of Census, 1989, p. 109
WHAT KIND OF ASSISTANCE?
Notice the differences
between the needs of persons age 65 and those 85. After age 85 nearly 3/4 of all older people
need help with housework, over 1/3 need assistance with walking, getting
outside and shopping. More than 1/4 need
help with managing their money, bathing and showering.
LIMITATIONS.BY AGE