Older adults prioritize maintaining their independence as they age, with activities such as bathing, dressing, walking, and household tasks being crucial to their quality of life. A recent study conducted by researchers at Yale University explored the differences in active and disabled life expectancy among older individuals who experience illnesses and injuries.
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 they will require assistance with daily activities. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, aimed to understand the factors contributing to disability in older adults.
Lead author Thomas Gill, MD, highlighted that age, cognitive impairment, and physical frailty do not directly lead to disability. Instead, the study focused on the impact of illnesses and injuries, such as hospitalizations, on functional decline in older individuals. The researchers analyzed data from the Yale Precipitating Events Project, a long-term study of community-living older adults.
The findings revealed that among initially nondisabled individuals aged 70 and older, active life expectancy decreased with an increasing number of hospital admissions for critical illness, major nonelective surgery, and other reasons. However, major elective surgery did not have the same impact on active life expectancy.
Co-author Lauren Ferrante, MD, emphasized the importance of understanding the health events that most significantly affect active and disabled life expectancy. This knowledge can help clinicians tailor interventions to promote functional independence after hospital discharge.
The study highlighted the significance of preventing hospitalizations through measures such as vaccination, chronic disease management, and fall prevention. Additionally, strategies to prevent delirium and promote mobility in hospitalized older patients can reduce the risk of prolonged disability.
Gill emphasized the importance of intervening at both individual and systemic levels to support older adults in maintaining their independence. By addressing preventable hospitalizations and implementing targeted interventions, it is possible to improve active life expectancy and quality of life for older individuals.
The study’s findings were published in JAMA Network Open and provide valuable insights into the factors influencing active and disabled life expectancy in older adults. As researchers continue to explore ways to promote healthy aging, interventions to prevent disability and support independence in older adults will play a crucial role in enhancing their overall well-being.
