Trends over time in the deficit of (instrumental) activities of daily living in the Austrian population aged 65 years and older

Difficulties in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in older adults are associated with diminished quality of life and increased demand for long-term care. The present study examined the prevalence of disability among individuals aged 65 years and older in Austria, using data from the Austrian Health Interview Surveys (ATHIS).

The ATHIS 2014 and 2019 surveys were used (N = 5853) for the analysis. Binary logistic regression was performed to measure the association between disability in at least one ADL or IADL limitation and independent variables adjusted for sociodemographic, health-related behavior and survey year.

The prevalence of ADL or IADL limitations increased in both sexes during the 5‑year follow-up period. For ADL limitations, the prevalence rose from 12.8% to 17.9% in men (p < 0.001) and from 19.2% to 25.7% in women (p < 0.001). The IADL limitations increased from 18.9% to 35.1% in men (p < 0.001) and from 38.2% to 50.8% in women (p < 0.001). Women reported significantly higher odds for ADL (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93–1.26) and IADL limitations (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.53–1.98). In both sexes, participants aged 80 years and older reported higher odds for ADL (OR: 4.37, 95% CI:3.77–5.07) and IADL limitations (OR: 4.43, 95% CI: 3.86–5.09) compared to the younger group. Participants with at least one chronic disease reported higher odds for ADL (OR: 4.00, 95% CI: 3.41–4.70) and IADL limitations (OR: 4.37, 95% CI: 3.85–4.96). Primary education, single status, being born in non-EU/EFTA countries, and residing in Vienna were associated with higher odds of ADL and IADL limitations.

Gender, age, education, country of birth, residence, partnership status, number of chronic diseases, noncompliance with physical activity, and nutrition recommendations had a strong association with increased vulnerability to disability. Public health policy must address these factors for disability prevention strategies.