The influence of functional limitations and various demographic factors on self-reported activity restriction at older ages

Purpose. The study analysed some differentials in self-reported restrictions for personal care activities. Activity restrictions are the result of basic functional limitations (vision, mobility...), but such limitations do not evenly reduce activity performance. We assessed how age, sex and the place of residence (household or institutions) changed the risk of reporting restrictions for similar functional problems. Method. We used the French disability survey data on personal care activity restrictions and functional limitations (physical, visual, time orientation) for people aged 55 years and older (n = 16961). A logistic regression model shows the separate impact of the nature of functional limitations and of age, gender and residence on the risk of reported restrictions. Results. Half of the people aged 55 and older reported functional problems; 20% of them also reported personal care activity restrictions. The probability of reporting restrictions was higher for people with several types of limitations, especially orientation and physical controlling for such limitations, the probability of restriction increased with age beyond 70, was higher for men than women below 70, and was higher in institutions than in households. Conclusion. Self-reported activity restrictions are not solely related to functional limitations but also to various demographic variables likely to modify the impact of these limitations on activity performance. These findings suggest studying differentials in the resources allowing to compensate limitations and to prevent reported restrictions.