Characterization and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults With Disabilities According to Timing of Disability Onset

• Published in: Journal of gerontological nursing Vol. 48; no. 3; pp. 37 - 47
• Main Authors: Yang, Eunjin, Kim, Hee Jung, Lee, Kyoung-Eun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Slack, Inc 01.03.2022; SLACK INCORPORATED
• Subjects: Age; Aged; Aging; Chronic illnesses; Comorbidity; Demographics; Disability; Disabled Persons; Family income; Health aspects; Health Services; Humans; Internet; Older people; People with disabilities; Physically disabled aged; Quality of Life; Republic of Korea; Surveys; Surveys and Questionnaires; Republic of Korea; South Korea
• ISSN: 0098-9134; 1938-243X
• DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20220210-02

The current study examined characteristics of early-onset and late-onset disability in older adults and identified predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This is a secondary data analysis of the 2017 national survey in South Korea. Participants were 4,014 older adults with disabilities, who were divided into an early-onset group ( = 2,229) and late-onset group ( = 1,785). Data were analyzed using complex sample analyses. Difficulties during outdoor activity and transportation use, self-rated health, and stress were common predictors in both groups. Comorbidity was a significant predictor only in the early-onset group. Use of information technology devices, household income, and perceived social discrimination were significant predictors in the late-onset group. Characteristics and predictors of HRQoL were different between groups, despite sharing common characteristics. It is necessary to improve support systems and health care services for older adults with disabilities. [ (3), 37-47.].