Risk Profiles for Care Dependency: Cross-Sectional Findings of a Population-Based Cohort Study in Germany.

Rising life expectancy in Western societies is accompanied by a rising incidence of care dependency (CD) among older people. The aim of the study was to examine which health-related and social determinants were associated with CD. We used cross-sectional data from the first follow-up ( = 1,699) of a prospective, population-based cohort study of older participants (≥70 years). CD was assessed if participants required substantial assistance in at least two activities of daily living for 90+ minutes daily. Multivariate logistic regressions were applied. Participants' mean age was 82 years; 18.9% were care-dependent. CD was significantly associated with older age, urinary incontinence, stroke, falls, cancer, diabetes, education level, having no partner, limited mobility, and limited physical activity. Our research highlights the importance of promoting mobility, even in care-dependent people. Further research should investigate the role of partnership in terms of the prevention and delay of CD.