Physical Abilities in People Aged 65 or Older

What is daily living like for the majority of people 65 years and older?  It’s tempting to look at our own families or people we know and consider our experience or observations the norm.  There is a wealth of information available, though, that describes these characteristics among larger groups of people.

In a survey of people age 65 and over enrolled in Medicare, data were collected to find out the percentage of people who were UNABLE to do certain physical tasks.  The tasks were:

• Stooping or kneeling

• Reaching overhead

• Writing

• Walking 2-3 blocks

• Lifting 10 pounds (like a bag of flour in each hand)

Women were more likely to be unable to do these things than men.  32% of women and 19% of men were unable to do at least one of these tasks.  For those 85 years and older, however, 56% of women and 38% of men were unable to do at least one of these tasks.  Walking 2-3 blocks, stooping or kneeling, and lifting 10 pounds were the three top issues for both men and women.

Although we could debate the relevance or significance of these five tasks, the bottom line is that inability in one of these areas may affect how well a person is able to manage at home and identifies an area that could be addressed to maintain independence long term.  Maintaining and improving physical function is a cornerstone of Dignity Care Consulting.  If you are concerned for yourself or a family member, contact Dignity Care Consulting and together we can establish a plan that will help alleviate those concerns.