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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly
Published on: March 11, 2022
Gender differences in physical disability among an elderly cohort
Kirsten Naumann Murtagh1, Helen B Hubert
1Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA.
Objectives:
We analyzed the role of sociodemographic factors, chronic-disease risk factors, and health conditions in explaining gender differences in disability among senior citizens.
Methods:
We compared 1348 men and women (mean age = 79 years) on overall disability and compared their specific activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and mobility limitations. Analysis of covariance adjusted for possible explanatory factors.
Results:
Women were more likely to report limitations, use of assistance, and a greater degree of disability, particularly among IADL categories. However, these gender differences were largely explained by differences in disability-related health conditions.
Conclusions:
Greater prevalence of nonfatal disabling conditions, including fractures, osteoporosis, back problems, osteoarthritis and depression, contributes substantially to greater disability and diminished quality of life among aging women compared with men.
