Changes and Differentials in the Prevalence of Activity Limitations among Finns Aged 65-74: Comparison of the Mini-Finland Health Examination Survey (1978-80) and the FINRISK-97 Senior Survey (1997)

Authors

• Martelin Tuija
• Koskinen Seppo
• Kattainen Anna
• Sainio Päivi
• Reunanen Antti

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23979/fypr.44969

Keywords:

functional capacity, elderly, Finland

Abstract

This study analyses time trends in the prevalence of activity limitations and
consequent need for help according to gender, education and marital status among
Finns aged 65-74 years. The study is based on the Mini-Finland Health Examination
Study carried out in 1978-80 and the FINRISK-97 Senior Survey collected in 1997.
During the past 20 years, functional capacity of the elderly at ages 65 to 74 has
improved markedly. Women, more often than men, have limitations in several
activities, but the reverse is true in some activities. Persons with higher than basic
education have less activity limitations than others. Married or cohabiting men report
fewer difficulties in several activities than other men, but among women differences
according to marital status are small. A continuation of the observed decline in
functional limitations would significantly attenuate the increasing trend in the burden
of disability that is to be expected because of the ageing of the population.