As older adults age, maintaining independence in daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and walking becomes a priority. However, the causes of disability among this age group are still not fully understood. A recent study conducted by researchers at Yale University aimed to explore the differences in active and disabled life expectancy among older individuals who experience illness and injury.
Active life expectancy refers to the projected number of years a person will live without disability, while disabled life expectancy is the number of years one will require assistance to perform daily activities. These two factors combined make up total life expectancy.
Dr. Thomas Gill, the lead author of the study and Humana Foundation Professor of Medicine (Geriatrics) at Yale School of Medicine, highlighted that factors such as age, cognitive impairment, and physical frailty do not directly lead to disability. The study focused on understanding the impact of illnesses and injuries that result in hospitalization on older individuals’ functional abilities.
Using data from the Yale Precipitating Events Project, which tracks functional status and health events in older adults over more than two decades, the researchers found that active life expectancy decreased as the number of hospital admissions increased for critical illness and major nonelective surgery. However, major elective surgery did not have the same effect on active life expectancy.
Dr. Lauren Ferrante, co-author of the study and associate professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of maintaining independent function among older adults. Understanding the health events that most affect active and disabled life expectancy can help clinicians tailor interventions to promote functional independence after hospital discharge.
The findings suggest that serious illnesses and injuries can significantly diminish active life expectancy for individuals over 70. However, there are strategies to reduce the risk of disability, such as vaccination, chronic disease management, and fall prevention. Additionally, interventions during hospitalization, such as delirium prevention and mobilization, can help prevent prolonged disability.
Dr. Gill highlighted the need for individual and systemic interventions to support older adults in maintaining functional independence. By addressing preventable hospitalizations and implementing strategies to promote healthy aging, older individuals can increase their chances of living independently for longer.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, provides valuable insights into the factors influencing active and disabled life expectancy in older adults. By identifying critical health events that impact functional abilities, healthcare providers can develop targeted interventions to support older individuals in maintaining independence as they age.
