Gender Differences in Mobility Device Use Among U.S. Older Adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Mobility research
• Health disparities

Background:

• Women report greater mobility limitations than men.
• Understanding gender differences in mobility aid use is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Existing research highlights the need to explore factors influencing mobility device adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine gender differences in cane use among older adults.
• To identify factors contributing to these gender-based differences in mobility aid adoption.
• To apply the disablement model and Theory of Planned Behavior frameworks.

Main Methods:

• Utilized National Health and Aging Trends Study data (n=5,503).
• Employed hierarchical logistic regression models to predict cane use.
• Tested interactions between gender and covariates (sociodemographics, health, impairments, psychosocial, social environment).

Main Results:

• Unadjusted: 22% of women vs. 16% of men used canes.
• Adjusted models showed women were less likely to use canes.
• Interactions revealed poor health/balance decreased cane use in women; obesity increased it. Living alone and needing mobility help influenced cane use.

Conclusions:

• Significant gender disparities exist in cane use among older adults.
• Health and functional status partially explain these differences.
• Further investigation into social and cultural factors is warranted to fully understand cane use patterns.