Assistive device use as a dynamic acquisition process in later life.

PURPOSE

This study identifies risk factors, including incident disability, for the use of assistive devices (ADs) among older people.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Three waves of data from the National Long-Term Care Survey (NLTCS) are used to examine whether upper and lower body disability lead to use of ADs (both number of devices used and number of activities of daily living domains for which ADs are used). Predictors of AD use include demographic variables, body mass index, and disability (both initial and incident). Relationships are estimated with negative binomial regression models.

RESULTS

Lower body disability, advanced age, and obesity are consistent predictors of the number of ADs used. An interaction between age and incident disability revealed the highest rate of adoption among the younger respondents who experienced increases in disability.

IMPLICATIONS

Many older adults use ADs in response to the disablement process. In addition to need driven by rising disability, obese older adults use more ADs. Results from this study clarify who and why ADs are adopted by older persons and should facilitate effective intervention by health care personnel and caregivers.